Last July 18-20 Sr. Malou & Sr. Elma attended the XI Philippine Conference on New Evangelization at the University of Santo Tomas Pavillion. The theme of the Conference was: “Padayon – Synodal Witnessing of Faith- “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”(John 20:21).
The Conference was composed of talks, General Sessions, Audiam Sessions, Concurrent Sessions, & Synodal Conversations and Witnessing. We also had the Enthronement of the Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Enthronement of the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary & An Interfaith Prayer: praying together for Peace. The second day of the Conference concluded with a Jubilee Concert of Hope. On the third day, after the Concluding Eucharistic Celebration presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Charles John Brown, DD Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, we had the commissioning.
The theme this year centered on the culturally rich Visaya word “Padayon”, which is commonly understood as “to continue” or “to move forward”. It profoundly captures and unifies the dynamics of synodality and the sending mandate of Jesus to be bearers and sharers of His peace (Jn 20:21). Upon deeper reflection, Padayon emerges as a call marked by perseverance, faithful progression, and hopeful movement.
Synodality, that is, our shared journey as Church, is far from easy. Listening deeply, especially to the voices of the marginalized, is challenging. Padayon, as perseverance, urges us to stay the course: to remain committed to walking together in faith despite tensions, fatigue and uncertainty.
The synodal journey is far from aimless; it is a collective response to Jesus’ invitation to “go forth”—a movement deeply rooted in the Gospel and guided by the Holy Spirit. The journey embodies the Church’s missionary impulse to manifest Christ’s love in the world. The synodal path is itself a missionary sending, marked by faithful progression anchored in a communal vision to bring Christ’s peace to all.
Our encounters in the PCNE renewed in us the call to receive Christ’s peace and to extend it to others, living as missionary disciples.
Sr. Marilou M. Manicad, CCV
