2nd National Congress of the Clergy opens today at World Trade Center
MANILA, Jan. 25, 2010─Over 5,000 priests led by their bishops and religious superiors from all over the country arrived for the Second National Congress of the Clergy at the World Trade Center along Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Pasay City today.
Registration of participants began as early as 7:00 a.m. and lasted till late in the afternoon.
The morning program started with the welcome of the relics of St. John Mary Vianney and the Crucifix along with the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima in a solemn and fitting rites.
The image of Our Lady of Fatima was the one of the mute witnesses during the EDSA People Power One in 1986.
Msgr. Jose C. Bernardo Jr., ECC executive secretary talked to the participants about the journey of the first clergy congress in 2004 to the second congress that is being held today.
Iba (Zambales) Bishop Florentino Lavarias, chairman of the Episcopal Commission of the Clergy (ECC) read Pope Benedict XVI’s message to the Filipino clergy.
The Opening Eucharist was presided by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.
Adams called on the priests to reflect on today’s Gospel as the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Conversion of Paul.
He exhorted the Filipino clergy to learn from the example showed by St. Paul.
Former Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo led the entrustment to Mary and the Salve Regina.
Henrietta T. De Villa, former Ambassador to the Vatican, presented the dynamics of the Retreat while Salesian Fr. Francis D. Gustilo discussed the Journal Writing Activity.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales delivered his message calling the priests-participants to retreat.
The day’s activitiy capped with a Holy Hour at 3:30 p.m. presided by Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Francisco M. De Leon with Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, OFMCap.
The priests left for their respective host families at 5:00 p.m.
(Melo Acuna)
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