Theme: Salya!"Let us cross to the other side"-MK 4:35
January 19-21, 2024
University of Sto. Tomas
The Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) is a significant event focused on spreading the Christian go
spel in the Philippines. The conference aims to renew and revitalize the faith of the Filipino people and encourage them to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The University of Sto. Thomas served as the venue for the tenth iteration of this conference, which took place from January 19-21, 2024.
The Theme: "SALYA! LET US CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE"-MK 4:35
The chosen theme for the conference was "SALYA! LET US CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE", taken from Mark 4:35 in the Bible. This theme suggests a call to embark on a spiritual journey or transformation.
Day 1: Encounter “SALYA: Synodality in the Life of the Church”
On the first day of the activity, the program commenced with the Traslacion of Nuestro Padre Hesus Nazareno, a religious event involving a symbolic procession. This procession was compared to the traditional Quiapo Church procession, starting from the grandstand and concluding at the Quiapo Church. The Traslacion is a reenactment of the journey of Poong Hesus Nazareno, symbolizing the challenges and trials faced in life's journey.
Following the Traslacion, the program proceeded to the sacred Eucharistic celebration, a central sacrament in the Catholic faith. His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila and PCNE Chairman, played a significant role by presiding over the Mass, underscoring the importance of spiritual leadership in the conference.
Cardinal Advincula’s homily during the event can be found here:
https://rcam.org/homily-transcript-manila-archbishop-jose-f-cardinal-adv...
Before concluding the Mass, His Excellency Most Rev. Charles Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, delivered a brief introductory speech to all participants of PCNE X. Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., PhD, and UST Rector Magnificus led the opening and welcoming ceremony, emphasizing the enduring vitality and optimism of PCNE.
Following the opening speeches, Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary-General of the Synod, delivered a keynote address centered on the theme of Synodality: A Synodal Church in Mission. He highlighted the consensus that synodality is the way forward for the church and emphasized the role of young people in embodying the church's youthful spirit.
Rev. Fr. Jayson H. Laguerta, the Director of PCNE, offered a thought-provoking perspective to all attendees, emphasizing that while he shares his own viewpoint, he encourages each person to seek their personal perspectives, opinions, and contributions to the conference. He emphasized that SALYA presents an invitation to us, but it is also a powerful call, a driving force to prevent stagnation or giving up. SALYA embodies energy and vibrancy.
He also encouraged us to expand our social connections and not confine ourselves solely to our existing group communities. Fr. Jayson suggested creating new group chats or adding new friends on platforms like Facebook. Furthermore, he urged us to actively participate in the PCNE online community, allowing us to connect with others virtually.
Following Fr. Jayson's perspective setting, Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary-General of the Synod, delivered a keynote address centered on the theme of Synodality: A Synodal Church in Mission. He emphasized that, despite differences in opinions, there was a significant consensus that synodality is the way forward for the church.
Cardinal Grech also highlighted that while it is Christ who sustains the church's vitality, young people, in particular, embody this youthful spirit most naturally and effortlessly.
More details on his insights can be found in this link: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-01/cardinal-grech-h...
In the afternoon session, participants eagerly awaited the "Hearth to Hearth: The Synodal Experience" segment. This segment featured esteemed individuals who shared their experiences from the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The panelists included:
- His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the section for the first Evangelization, who served as the Moderator
Synthesis. - His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila.
- His Excellency, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio David, the Bishop of Caloocan.
- His Excellency, Most Rev. Mylo Hubert Vergara, the Bishop of Pasig.
- Dr. Estela Padilla.
Their personal narratives left a profound impact on the participants of PCNE X, resonating deeply within their hearts.
The first day of PCNE concluded with the "Confessio Peccati" and the traditional "pahalik," or kissing, of the image of the Black Nazarene. This momentous event allowed participants to express their devotion and reverence to the revered Poong Hesus Nazareno.
Day 2: Community “Synodality, Let us Cross to the Other Side”
The second day of PCNE commenced with the enthronement of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje de Antipolo. During the enthronement ceremony, Sr. Althea Alfonso, SPC, shared her personal journey. She revealed that becoming a religious sister was not something she had ever considered. However, she came to understand that if she were to answer the call to become a nun, it would require letting go of her own dreams. This realization led her to understand that her personal aspirations may not align with God's plan for her.
Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary-General of the Synod, emphasized in his homily that while we have the freedom to believe whatever we want about ourselves, the truth of reality cannot be erased. Additionally, he mentioned that God and the people around us play a significant role in helping us gain a deeper understanding of our true selves through their observations and comments.
After the Eucharistic celebration, followed by the orientation on Synod Methodology/Spiritual Conversation and the concurrent session such as,
- Digital and social media
- Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue
- Women
- Clergy
- Poor
- Youth
- Catechists
- Educators
- Parish and BEC
- Family
Following the concurrent sessions, the participants engaged in an Audiam session, continuing their workshop. The second day concluded with a prayer ritual called Blessing of the Body.
Day 3: Mission “Synodality in the mission of the Church”
The third and last day of PCNE. Began with the opening liturgy in conjunction with the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño. This was followed by a deepening session where each group from the concurrent session integrated their insights related to the workshops they attended.
Subsequently, the Sinulog Ritual Dance took place, where all participants offered a dance as a tribute to the revered Sto. Niño. In the afternoon program, a celebratory concert will be held to mark the renewal of faith, featuring special guests such as Feast Worship, Mike Shimamoto, Vanya Castor, Sam Mangubat, Rey Malipot, Eumee Capile, Angeline Quinto, the Cast of Gomburza, and Brother Migz Ramirez.
The culmination of PCNE 10 will be the Misa ng Bayang Pilipino, presided over by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal “Chito” Tagle. In his homily, he emphasizes the importance of walking together in humility and encourages participants to post the caption "SALYA: TUMAWID TAYO KASAMA SI HESUS TUNGO SA MISYON" on their social media accounts.
Overall, the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization provided a platform for participants to deepen their faith, share their experiences, and renew their commitment to spreading the Christian gospel in the Philippines.
SALYA! “LET US CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE” -MK 4:35!!