2018 is Year of Clergy: Davao preparations underway

The vicars of the priests of Davao, Digos, Tagum, Mati (DADITAMA), Archdiocese of Cotabato, Diocese of Kidapawan and Marbel (KidMaCo), and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on the Clergy gathered for the first time at Rivier Retreat House, Seminary Road, Catalunan Grande, Davao City last August 28. Purpose is to discuss the preparations for next year’s “Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Life” which is themed “Renewed Servant-Leader for the new evangelization.”

Among those who attended were Msgr. Abel Apigo, CBCP episcopal vicar of the clergy, Msgr. Ramon Masculino, CBCP executive secretary, and Fr. Dennis Estrella, CBCP representative from Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna. Others were from other dioceses.

Fr. Estrella said, “I am very excited coordinating with the different dioceses nationwide, so that, our priests and religious will become better instruments of God for the benefit of the people.” He added that working for God is always exciting especially in “working for peace, justice and the good of all, especially the weak and poor.”

The discussion was centered on the obligations of priests and religious in evangelizing especially to those who have not heard it yet.

The priests planned the activities and programs for next year’s “Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Life.” This year will kick off on November 26, 2017, Feast of Christ the King.

The theme was chosen for year 2018 as part of the nine-year preparation of the 5th centenary of the Philippine Church’s Christianization to be celebrated in 2021. (Queenie Y. Remperas | Contributor)