The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines National Secretariat (NATSEC) conducted a two-day pilgrimage and Lenten reflection on March 26 to 27, 2026, in Nueva Ecija, as part of its observance of the Lenten season and commitment to spiritual formation.
On March 26, participants visited several churches across the province, including the Holy Face of Jesus in Nampicuan; St. John the Evangelist Parish in Guimba; San Geronimo Parish in Baloc, Sto. Domingo; Sto. Niño Parish in Puncan, Carranglan; San Roque Parish Catholic Church in Cuyapo; and San Sebastian Martyr Parish in the Science City of Muñoz. The pilgrimage concluded with a Eucharistic celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in San Jose City.
On March 27, a Lenten recollection was facilitated by Fr. Lloyd Nepomoceno, Region III Trustee and Superintendent of Apo Jose Catholic Educational System Foundation. He reflected on the meaning of Lent as a season of repentance, humility before God, and reflection on life’s ultimate purpose. He also emphasized that Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, reminding the faithful that we come from dust and are called to humility, while recognizing the significance of the six-week Lenten journey.
Building on this, he guided the participants through the weekly Gospel themes of Lent. He highlighted the importance of resisting temptation and remaining faithful to God in Week 1; embracing transformation and openness to God’s glory in Week 2; and continuing to speak to Jesus in prayer, even in moments of silence or spiritual dryness, as seen in the encounter at Jacob’s well in Week 3.
He further reflected on Week 4, which reveals God’s greatness through the healing of the man born blind, and Week 5, which emphasizes one’s relationship with God through the raising of Lazarus. The reflection culminated in Week 6 with Palm Sunday, inviting participants to contemplate Christ’s betrayal, passion, death, and resurrection, as well as the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the heart of Catholic faith.
He emphasized that Lent is a journey from dust to new creation, reminding participants that human life begins and ends in God. “You are dust, but dust with the breath of God,” he said, calling everyone to humility and renewed faith.
The activity concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as participants returned to their respective roles with a deeper commitment to live out their faith through service and trust in God.
