THE SYNOD on Synodality will take centerstage at the 10th edition of the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE), with the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican leading the discussions on how the meeting will direct the future of the Church and the faithful.
The three-day event, the first to be held in person since the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held from Jan. 19 to 21 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, highlighting “the force of synodality embedded in the fibers of our Filipino Catholic Traditions that leads us to a profound renewal of heart and faith,” according to the PCNE’s website.
Cardinal Mario Grech, recently regarded by an Irish newspaper as a “European more likely to become pope,” will deliver a keynote address about the “Synodal Church in Mission” on Friday, Jan. 19.
The Maltese cardinal has been at the forefront of the synod initiated by Pope Francis in 2021. When he was appointed by the Vatican in 2019, he ensured that the process would not be exclusive to Rome; thus, in the synod’s first phase, dioceses around the world conducted listening sessions to consult parishioners on various hot-button issues hounding the Church.
Grech will also preside over the Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, Jan. 20.
The four delegates who represented the Philippines at the synod’s first session from Oct. 4 to 29, 2023 – Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, CBCP vice president; Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula; and Estela Padilla, a theologian – will hold a “Heart to Heart” talk on Jan. 19 recounting their experience during the meeting.
Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will moderate the talk. He will also lead the closing Mass on Sunday, Jan. 21.
UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang will deliver the opening and welcoming rites on Friday.
Branded as PCNE X, the event bears the theme “Salya: ‘Let us cross to the other side’ – Mark 4:35,” which bridges the goal of conversion with the “goal of Traslación,” the yearly procession of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo.
“The experience of Traslación and expression of salya relate to the constant call to conversion of life driven by the force of God’s love,” the PCNE explained in a Facebook post. “The devotion presents a transformative effect on the devotees and serves as a manifestation of their renewed commitment of faith.”
The PCNE was first staged in October 2013 by the Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Manila to “provide avenues of inspiration and directions imbued with the spirit of mission for evangelization in our contemporary world.” With reports from Justin Benedict T. Lim
