UST set to host 2nd conference on evangelization

Oct. 29, 2014, 2:10 p.m. – FOR THE second time, the University of Santo
Tomas will hold one of the largest gatherings of the Catholic faithful to
discuss matters of faith, in time for the papal visit in January next year.

In a circular dated Oct.
15, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle announced that the
Archdiocese of Manila would hold the Second Philippine Conference on the New
Evangelization (PCNE II) at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion from Jan. 15 to
17, 2015. 

The PCNE II, which will
have the theme “Blessed are you…,” aims to discuss the “true meaning of
blessedness according to Jesus,” in response to Pope Francis’ call for new
evangelization.

“We would like to
explore the relationship between the Beatitudes and evangelization. As we
marveled at the possibilities for evangelization that the First Philippine
Conference of New Evangelization opened to us, we wish to focus on the
blessedness that Jesus offers for our individual and communal transformation
and mission,” Tagle said in a message posted on the official papal visit
website.

The conference, first
held in the University from Oct. 16 to 18 last year, will coincide with Pope
Francis’ visit to the country from Jan. 15 to 19, 2015. However, there is no
confirmation yet if the Pope will attend the conference.

According to Fr. Efren
Rivera, O.P., professor at the Faculty of Sacred Theology, the conference was
not being organized because of the 2015 papal visit. “No connection was
intended between the planning of the PCNE II and the papal visit. The
conference is done because one of the commitments of Pope Francis by the very
nature of the papacy is to promote evangelization,” Rivera said in an email
interview.

The Quadricentennial
Pavillion’s size and UST’s ability to manage large gatherings are some of the
reasons why the University was chosen for the second time as venue for the
conference, Rivera said.

“UST was chosen … because we have this new
Quadricentennial Pavilion that can hold more than any other Catholic venue in
the city. Remember, we have a population of more than 40,000 students in just
one campus. No other Catholic school has such a big number,” Rivera said. Danielle
Ann F. Gabriel