News

MSP JOINS THE 2nd NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR THE CLERGY

THE SECOND National Congress for the Clergy (NCC2) was held last January 25-29, 2010 at the World Trade Center in Manila. A total of 5,542 bishops and priests participated in this momentous gathering. The CBCP Commission on the Clergy, through its head, His Eminence Gaudencio Carrdinal Rosales, DD, earlier gave the information that this was going to be a “retreat.” The commission invited the preacher of the papal household (Vatican), Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, as the retreat facilitator and preacher.

There were seventeen MSP priests who joined in this retreat, namely, Frs Alfie Africa, Mawe Jadraque, Lads Oliver, Pat Casino, Nilo Pacuribot, Arvin Mosqueda, Robert Saballo, Gerome Hernandez, Regie Lavilla, Benjie Pelias, Willy Borces, Rollie Detera, Jun Tacaisan, Percy Singco, Soc Mesiona, Resti Galang, and Resty Quintillano. Bp Edwin de la Pena MSP of the Prelature of Marawi also participated.

The opening Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev Edward Joseph Adams, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. The first conference was given by Fr Cantalamessa on the second day. He focused his talk on Pentecost, shared meditations on the Eucharist, and on the final day, he talked about the themes of virginity and celibacy. On the fourth day, Bp Luis Antonio Tagle DD, the bishop of Imus, beautifully made a summary or synthesis on Fr Cantalamessa’s previous talks. These were his points of departure in presenting the pastoral challenges to priests. The conferences given by Fr Cantalamessa and Bp Tagle were enriching, theologically, spiritually, and pastorally. The homilies of some bishops were also appreciated.

The bishops and priests remembered Haiti too. In one of the eucharistic celebrations, a "collection" was conducted which amounted to one million pesos. But the participants were much happier when Amb. Tita de Villa, the Central Committee Coordinator, announced that a foundation has added one million pesos more. Thus, the total donation of the congress for Haiti has totalled P2,000,000.00. The amount was sent to Most Rev Bernie Auza DD, the Filipino Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti.

The gathering concluded on January 29, 2009. In the afternoon, the bishops and priests had a procession from the World Trade Center to the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. The concluding Eucharist was presided over by the Most Rev Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales DD, the archbishop of Manila.

« Back to News Index