COURTESY: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
Hey there, fellow enthusiasts of faith and community! Hold on to your hats because something big is happening in the southern city of Cagayan de Oro. For the first time ever, the country's Catholic bishops will gather in Mindanao for their 128th plenary assembly. Yep, you heard that right! This high-level meeting of more than 80 bishops is set to take place from July 6 to 8 at the Chali Conference Center.
You might be wondering, "Why is this such a big deal?" Well, this assembly marks a historic moment as it brings the bishops' discussions and prayers closer to the heart of Mindanao. It's more than just a meeting; it's a celebration of faith, unity, and the future of the Church in the Philippines.
Before the main event kicks off, the bishops will embark on a soul-nourishing retreat at the Transfiguration Abbey in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Imagine this: serene landscapes, the calming presence of the Benedictine Monks, and a chance to reconnect with spirituality. The retreat runs from July 2 to 4, setting the perfect tone for the upcoming assembly.
Leading the spiritual charge is none other than Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States. He's not flying solo, though. Theologians Fr. Reynaldo Raluto and Vincentian Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario will also share their wisdom. The theme? "Synod spirituality: Embracing ecology in the light of Laudato Sรญ and Laudate Deum." Expect deep discussions on integral ecology, a topic close to Fr. Raluto's heart as the chair of the Diocese of Malaybalay’s Integral Ecology Ministry.
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the plenary assembly. The closed-door meeting will kick off with an address by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). This isn't just any speech; it's the opening act that sets the tone for the entire gathering.
Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, the CBCP Secretary General, spilled some beans about the agenda. Here's a sneak peek: the assembly will be electing chairmen for various commissions, including the Commission on Catholic Education, the Sub-commission on Retired, Sick, and Elderly Priests, the Sub-commission for Permanent Deacons, and the Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints. It's a full plate, but these discussions are crucial for the Church's future.
And that's not all! The bishops will also dive into proposed activities for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations in the Philippines. It's an exciting time, folks. The Jubilee promises to be a grand celebration, and the bishops are gearing up to make it a memorable one.
As the bishops gather in Cagayan de Oro, Msgr. Pantin has a heartfelt request for all of us. "Let us pray for the bishops as they gather, discuss, and pray about the future of the Church in the Philippines," he said. It's a call for unity and support, reminding us that we're all part of this journey.
The CBCP isn't just about meetings and discussions. It's a vibrant community composed of 83 active bishops, 5 priest administrators, and 39 honorary members who are retired bishops. Twice a year, in January and July, they come together for the plenary assembly. When they're not in session, the Permanent Council steps up to act on behalf of the episcopal conference.
So, what does all this mean for Mindanao? This historic plenary assembly isn't just a one-time event. It's a new chapter, a symbol of inclusivity and recognition for the region. By bringing the bishops' high-level meeting to Mindanao, the Church is acknowledging the importance of this vibrant part of the Philippines.
As we look forward to the assembly and the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, let's keep the spirit of unity and prayer alive. The future of the Church in the Philippines is bright, and this gathering in Cagayan de Oro is a testament to that.
Stay tuned, folks. There's more to come, and I can't wait to share it all with you. Until next time, keep the faith and spread the love!
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