"I have called you friends." - John 15:15 

Inspired by the theme above, the 12th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization officially commences today with an enthronement of the image of Our Lady of Manaoag and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by His Eminence Jose F. Advincula, D.D., Archbishop of Manila, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion of University of Sto. Tomas, España Blvd. Manila. In his homily, Cardinal Advincula recalled how PCNE has been fostering friendship since its conception, that led also to the formulation of the theme for this year's conference which was taken from a Waray Binisaya term word "Sangkay". He further enrich his homily with some points from the Gospel where Jesus has manifested himself through a miracle in the wedding at Cana. He encapsulated these important points applied in friendship in three Waray Binisaya words that describes the good qualities and relationships in a friendship: hinay-hinay, kanunay ngan buligay (gentleness, steadfastness and mutual sharing). He further added a point describing what a true friend is: “Ang totoong kaibigan ay marunong maghintay, dahil ang paghihintay ay pagmamahal din, gradualness is a language of love”

 After the mass, Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL Secretary-General of the University of Santo Tomas delivered his welcoming remarks. It was followed by the setting of perspective by Rev. Fr. Jason Laguerta, the PCNE Director. A Keynote Address on “I have called you friends”, The Call of Relational Conversion by H.E. Most Rev. Rex C. Ramirez, D.D., Bishop of Naval and a deepening activity concludes the morning session. After the lunch break, the Prayer Pathways: Encountering Jesus, our Sangkay –Spirituality of Friendship was conducted wherein each participant was able to spend meaningfully their afternoon in prayer. Following it H. Em. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, D.D., the Pro-Prefect for the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization led his Heart-to-Heart session with a focus on the topic Friendship and Accompaniment were stories and experiences of the guests were deepened and shared. It was followed the by a Plenary Talk on “The Banquet of Friends: the Eucharist as the School of Relational Conversion” where the good Cardinal emphasized the importance of building a friendship and relationship with Jesus as we take part in the Eucharist where every part becomes an encounter and communion and venue with Him. The afternoon session concludes with Confessio Peccati et Laudis: Healing and Nurturing Relationships led by Very Rev. Fr. Filemon "Deng" I. dela Cruz Jr., O.P, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines where everyone was able to spend a heartfelt and moving moment with the Lord in adoration. What a full and wonderful Day 1 for 5,000 strong attendees! 

The Day 2 of the conference started with the Laudato Si’: Prayer in Union with Creation led by Very Rev. Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, the Minister Provincial of the Province of San Pedro Bautista – Philippines. After the prayer, a panel discussion on “Love one another”, Conversion of Relationships and the Civilization of Love in the Digital Age was conducted and was followed by concurrent sessions on “Greater Love” running in parallel streams covering the key themes of PCNE. A plenary talk and panel discussion entitled “Go and bear fruit that will remain” – Friends in Mission, Forming Missionary Disciples” by the Catholic Christian Outreach was held after the concurrent sessions. A synthesis then was made before the concluding Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. The Day 2 conclusion was made more meaningful and symbolic with the Commissioning rite wherein the rosaries distributed to the participants were blessed and exchanged to their partner/fellow participants and accompanied it with a prayer. 

The presence of the thousands of youth from across the countries and nation who actively engaged in the program and in different activities made the Day 3 of the conference more vibrant and exceptional! A Eucharistic Celebration presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Rufino “Jun” Sescon, D.D., Bishop of Balanga. After the mass, worship songs were sung and led by the Live Loud which engaged the young people, filling up the gym with a heartfelt songs of praise. A plenary talk of H. Em. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, D.D. which was centered on the theme “I have called you friends” by Jesus in John 15:15. Cardinal Tagle emphasized some important points especially on identifying the one who calls us friends. “I have called you friends” Who is the I who calls us friend? Jesus! Si Hesus ang tumatawag sa atin na Kanyang kaibigan.” He said. After the talk, the Side Quest sessions were held wherein participants proceeded to their respective chosen sessions related to PCNE themes. It was followed then by Sangkay META (Mission, Evangelization, Testimony and Action) session and concluded with the Adoration and Benediction led by Rev. Fr. Eduardo Miguel “Migs” Ramirez where everyone was obviously struck by an intimate encounter with Jesus in the Holy Host. The Day 3 concluded with the closing celebration with the Feast Worship that drew everyone to singing and dancing with and for the Lord! 

 The 12th PCNE is not just an ordinary conference. It became a venue of concrete encounter with God through people across ages, nations, and activities that brought everyone together in communion with God, with the country and with the mission – where synodality was concretely lived out and passed on to younger generations. 

Written by: Wency Provido | Social Communications, Diocese of Imus