AMCM24 JARO, ILOILO
REWIND Ed Frando
It is only now that I’m truly soaking in the vibrant, memorable, and challenging Annual Meeting of Catechetical Ministers 2024, which took place in the beautiful town of Jaro, Iloilo.
I was honored to represent the Archdiocese of Manila’s Catechetical Ministry alongside my Brother Leon Assuncion at this annual gathering of catechetical leaders and ministers. The four days were colorful and packed with surprises and blessings.
Three words that sum up the event for me: Makulay (Colorful), Nakakapagod (Exhausting), and Mapanghamon (Challenging).
Makulay. On my third visit to Iloilo, I finally saw the true beauty of its culture and the warmth of the Ilonggos up close. Every performance, especially the dances for the “Dinagyang” festival in each town we visited, was amazing and thoughtfully prepared. The people we met, including Ilocano volunteers like Ate Jenna who took care of us, were incredibly warm and easy to get along with.
Each church we visited during our pilgrimage was historic and awe-inspiring.
as the “Gastronomy Capital” because of its delicious food (my stomach was always full, and we even had leftovers to bring back to the hotel every time we went out due to the abundance of food).
Nakakapagod. The schedule was exhausting. It was packed from morning to night, with performances, activities and inputs filling every hour. The event tried to accommodate and accomplished too many beautiful intentions for the annual meeting. Picture this: the program started at five in the morning and went late into the evening. When we returned to the hotel, all you wanted to do was lie down and sleep because you have to wake up very early again.
Every performance was beautiful, the speakers were excellent, and every segment of the program was well-prepared. It was just really exhausting… maybe a sign that I’m not as young as I used to be.
Despite the tiredness, there was no room to complain, because I am grateful. I’m sure everyone who prepared made a tremendous effort and are more exhausted to make our visit to Iloilo unforgettable.
Mapanghamon. This conference was one where I took listening and participation very seriously. The messages from the speakers were truly challenging for church leaders, especially those involved in the business of teaching the faith:
Thank you CFAM!
Thank you Jaro, Iloilo!
Thank you AMCMJaro2024!
Damo nga Salamat Iloilo!
REWIND Ed Frando
- The Church of San Joaquin in San Joaquin, the farthest town in Iloilo, shows how early Filipino communities had their Church, Municipality, School, and Social Halls all in one place.
- The Church of St. John Sahagun in Tigbauan, one of Iloilo’s oldest churches built in 1575, stands out for its unique architecture.
- The Church of St. Thomas Villanova in Miagao is one of only four churches recognized as UNESCO Heritage Churches, famous for its Baroque-Romanesque Style.
- The Church of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Arevalo is remarkable as it houses the third oldest image of Sto. Niño in the Philippines, the Santo Niño de Arevalo, which is deeply revered by pilgrims and locals.
- The Church of Sta. Ana located in the old town of Molo, is magnificent and historically significant. It is popularly known as the “Feminist Church” because of the images of female saints that line in its interior.
- The Church of Our Lady of Candelaria in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Jaro, fondly known as “Nanay Candie” by the Ilonggo’s, is also historical and remarkable.
- Bp. Midyphil Billones talked about prayer as a pillar of the catechist’s life.
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Bp. Danny Presto discussed the general implementation of “Antiquum Ministerium” for deserving catechists.
- Fr. Jason Laguerta challenged us to prepare the Church for Global 2033.
- Bp. Mallare shared the example of Mary as a model for catechists.
- Bp. Louie Galbines shared a touching personal experience about the virtue of “hope.”
Thank you CFAM!
Thank you Jaro, Iloilo!
Thank you AMCMJaro2024!
Damo nga Salamat Iloilo!