A New Beginning: The Journey Continues

A WORD FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR: Kalibo, Aklan Eleven Sundays of learning and growth culminated on November 23, 2025, at the BCBP CLP No. 2 graduation in Malay, Aklan. Following a commitment ceremony officiated by Fr. Vincent Cajilig, Chapter Head Jerome Quimpo addressed our new “members in formation.”

Reflecting on their journey so far, he reminded them that becoming “fishers of men” is a lifelong mission rooted in faith. Here below is his powerful message to the class of CLP No. 2.


My dearest brothers and sisters of the Malay Outreach Christian Life Program Batch No. 2, what a beautiful sight you are! Look around, and feel the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in this room.

We stand here today at the culmination of an incredible journey, and I want to offer you the most heartfelt congratulations for completing the eleven Sundays of talks and group discussions. Think about that—eleven weeks! I know many of you are sitting here wondering how you even survived the commitment, the lazy sunday mornings, or the sheer weight of what you’ve learned. There were Sundays when the alarm went off, and you felt too tired, too busy, or too uncertain to show up.

But here is a truth we all share: on many occasions, you weren’t walking alone. Perhaps you’ve heard the beautiful reflection, “Footprints in the Sand,” where a person sees only one set of footprints during their hardest trials. The Lord reminds them: “It was then that I carried you.” My brothers and sisters, that is the perfect image of your CLP experience. When you felt weak, God’s grace carried you every step of the way to this moment.

Today is not just a graduation; it is a commissioning. It is a calling to a greater purpose. When Jesus began His ministry, He didn’t just give His disciples a goal; He gave them an invitation and a promise. He looked at those simple fishermen and said the powerful words we must internalize today: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Called to Follow, Called to Fish

– CH Jerome Quimpo

Notice the order. The command is not “Go fish” first, but “Come, follow me.” This is the heart of your training. To become the effective, spirit-filled leaders our BCBP community needs, you must first be faithful and disciplined followers. These eleven weeks have been the most important training—the teachings, the commitment, the vulnerability—all designed to empower you to lead, precisely by being a good follower of Christ. You have been equipped to step out in faith.

The Road Ahead

This culmination is not an end; it is merely the commencement. Your journey of faith and service has just begun with your CLP and it continues henceforth. The road ahead is long, and the field is vast.

Along the way, you will face many trials and challenges. There will be moments when you feel tired, uncertain, or overwhelmed by the pressures of life, family, and ministry. But in those moments, when your human strength fails, remember the divine promise that is the anchor of our hope: God’s strength is perfect in our weaknesses. Lean on your community, lean on your Lord, and never forget that the God who carried you through eleven Sundays will carry you through a lifetime.

Go forth, CLP No. 2, and be the light! Be the faithful follower, the humble leader, and the confident fisher of men that God has called you to be. We are so proud of you. God bless you all!


Related reading – Sergio F. Tolentino III, CLP 2 Malay Mission Culminates with Inspiring Talks and Commitment Ceremony published 12.17.25


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