The Society of St. Paul at the 11th Philippine Conference on the New Evangelization

A Collaborative Effort in Evangelization

In faithful witness to their charism and in close collaboration with the local Church, the Society of St. Paul (SSP) served as an official media partner for the 11th Philippine Conference on the New Evangelization (PCNE XI). This event took place from July 18 to 20, 2025, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Designated by Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, the SSP supported the event, which drew over 5,000 participants—youth, laity, religious, and clergy—from across the Philippines and beyond.

The SSP handled photo and video coverage, produced audiovisual materials, and created daily highlight recaps that captured and communicated the spirit of the gathering. These digital outputs helped expand the reach of PCNE XI, allowing those who could not attend in person to share in its message and grace online.

The Theme of "Padayon"

Organized by Fr. Jason Laguerta, Director of the Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization (OPNE), in partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) – Episcopal Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis, the three-day conference centered on the theme “Padayon.” This Visayan word means to continue, persevere, and move forward. Drawing from John 20:21, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” the theme invited the Church in the Philippines to press on in mission, especially amid today’s social, spiritual, and global challenges.

Celebrating Key Anniversaries

The event was held against the backdrop of key anniversaries in the life of the Church. These included the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the 75th anniversary of the Dogma of the Assumption. These milestones anchored the conference in the Church’s spiritual heritage while inviting renewed zeal for its evangelizing mission.

Messages of Hope from Church Leaders

Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Pablo Virgilio David, and Jose Advincula offered insightful and pastoral messages that illuminated the meaning of hope and perseverance in today’s ecclesial journey. Their reflections were complemented by witness stories from renowned voices such as journalist Jessica Soho, basketball player LA Tenorio, human rights advocate Dr. Edita Burgos, and international evangelizer-musician Fr. Rob Galea. These testimonies made the call to mission deeply personal, relatable, and relevant.

Engaging Workshops and Thematic Sessions

A wide range of workshops and thematic sessions further deepened the conference experience. These addressed pressing issues and opportunities in the Church and society. Topics included transcultural synodality, family life, digital evangelization, youth and women’s empowerment, governance and economics, gender concerns, integral ecology (inspired by Laudato Si’), global mission, the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults, human trafficking, the ministry of listening and accompaniment, and the formation of catechists and Christian living educators.

The SSP Media Team

The SSP media team was composed of Fr. Angelo Paolo O. Asprer, Fr. Keiv Aires Dimatatac, Fr. Edward Dantis, Cl. Russel Matthew Patolot, Cl. Philip Jay Orongan, Cl. Haileth Gem Joseph Enarsao, Cl. Mark Anthony Puyong, Cl. Miko dela Cruz, and Cl. Julius Ramasta. They were supported by collaborators Mr. Darwin Orante, Mr. Victor Frias, and Ms. Antonette Aguilar. Fr. Albert Garong also served as a resource speaker in the workshop on Digital Evangelization, underscoring the SSP’s commitment to proclaiming the Gospel in the digital continent.

ST PAULS at the Exhibitor Fair

Meanwhile, ST PAULS joined the conference’s exhibitor fair, offering a wide selection of religious books and devotional materials to support the spiritual growth of attendees. This initiative provided participants with resources to deepen their faith and understanding.

A Celebration of Encounter and Mission

Despite persistent rain throughout the three-day event, PCNE XI became a vibrant celebration of encounter, communion, and mission. Through prayer, music, storytelling, learning, and collaboration, the gathering affirmed that the Church in the Philippines remains alive with hope. In the spirit of Padayon, the Church continues to press on—streaming hope and walking together in Christ.

Conclusion

The 11th Philippine Conference on the New Evangelization was more than just an event; it was a movement. It called upon the faithful to embrace their mission in the world. The Society of St. Paul played a crucial role in this gathering, ensuring that the message of hope and perseverance reached many. As the Church continues to navigate the complexities of modern life, the spirit of Padayon will guide its journey forward.

This conference not only highlighted the challenges faced by the Church but also celebrated the resilience and commitment of its members. With the support of the SSP and the participation of diverse voices, the event served as a powerful reminder that the mission of evangelization is ongoing and ever-evolving.