The Church in Chile

Bishop Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz sent a greeting to evangelical pastors and congregants in the seven communes of the Diocese of San Bernardo to mark the National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches.

In his message, Bishop González Errázuriz cited the prayer of Jesus, "That they may all be one," as a command for all Christians.

Bishop Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz has established a Diocesan Media Administration Council to coordinate the various communication outlets of the Diocese of San Bernardo.

According to Decree No. 54/2026, signed by the bishop on October 15, the new council will oversee the management of the ISBTV channel, the ISB newspaper, Radio Franja, the diocesan website, and official social media accounts. The council is intended to organize these platforms to serve the work of evangelization.

The Diocese of San Carlos de Ancud collected $3,688,100 during the 2026 Caritas National Collection. The collection took place in person on October 9, 10, and 11. This total represents a 65.5 percent increase over the $2,228,130 raised in 2025.

The diocese will use 95 percent of these funds to support social works within its parishes to assist vulnerable families and individuals. The campaign involved 120 volunteers, including parish fraternal aid teams, students, scouts, senior clubs, and Catholic movements.

Nine parishes participated in the collection: El Sagrario and Buen Pastor in Ancud; Apóstol Santiago and Sagrado Corazón in Castro; Juan Pablo II in Nercón; and the parishes of Dalcahue, Achao, Chonchi, and Quellón. Local schools El Pilar, Seminario Conciliar de Ancud, and Liceo Bicentenario Paulo Freire de Quellón also assisted. The campaign operated under the theme "70 years with you, serving human dignity" to mark the anniversary of Caritas Chile.

The Archdiocese of Concepción held a training day on October 24 for members of parish economic councils. The session provided guidance on managing collections mandated by the Church.

The Bishop of San Bernardo celebrated Mass with elderly members of the community at the San Bernardo Cathedral on October 27, 2026.

During his homily, the bishop expressed gratitude to God for the lives of the elderly and their presence within families, parishes, and the Christian community. He referenced Psalm 92:15, noting that they continue to bear fruit in old age.

Father José Ulloa Oliveros celebrated 40 years of priesthood on Sunday, October 25, with a Mass of thanksgiving. The celebration included members of the Empedrado, Sauzal, and Nirivilo pastoral communities, as well as his family, friends, and fellow priests.

Bishop Tomislav Koljatic of Linares and Bishop Galo Fernández of Talca attended the liturgy. Other attendees included seminary classmates and priests from the Diocese of Linares and neighboring dioceses. During the Mass, Father Ulloa Oliveros reflected on his vocation, which began during his studies at Colegio San Miguel and Instituto Linares.

Bishop Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz of the San Bernardo Diocese wrote a pastoral reflection regarding the celebration of Halloween.

The bishop noted that the tradition of children dressing as witches, demons, and monsters to collect sweets has become widespread through media and commerce. He stated that Christians are called to live in the light rather than celebrate darkness. He suggested that Christian parents should examine what they are celebrating as these customs become more integrated into local society.

Bishop Juan Pablo Barros inaugurated and blessed a new medical-surgical building at the Hospital Parroquial de San Bernardo on October 23, 2026.

The expansion of the parish hospital follows nearly 130 years of service to the sick. During his homily, Bishop Barros stated that the institution continues its work because the Church is mandated by Jesus Christ to care for those who suffer.

Bishop Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz confirmed 20 faithful members at the Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia parish in Lo Herrera. The Bishop of San Bernardo presided over the Eucharist on Saturday, October 24.

Bishop Juan Pablo Barros delivered a homily for the sacrament of Confirmation at the Santos Ángeles Custodios Parish in Buin on October 23, 2026.

During the ceremony, which included young people and adults, the bishop spoke on the Gospel of John 14:15-21. He addressed the promise of the Paraclete to remain with the faithful.