Mindanaoan Clergy Convenes In Mati City

Strengthening the Synodal Journey and Sacerdotal Fraternity, the Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao gathered for their 45th annual convention slated on February 14-16 in Mati City, Davao Oriental with a theme “DCM: Moving Forward as Frontliners of the Faith in the Spirit of Synodality and Stewardship”

DCM is an annual convention and is part of the on-going formation of the clergy. It is also an expression of the synodal journey and camaraderie of the Diocesan Clergy serving in the Church in the entire island of Mindanao.

Around 848 Diocesan priests and 18 Catholic Bishops from the 21 archdioceses, dioceses, and prelatures of Mindanao comprised of DADITAMA (Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati; CABUSTAM (Cagayan, Butuan, Surigao, Malaybalay); ZAMBASULI (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Ipil); KIDMACO (Kidapawan, Cotabato and Marbel); DOPIM (Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan and Marawi).

Meanwhile, Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, DD, Bishop of Mati being emotional as he led the opening program of this year’s convention with a Holy Mass situated at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, City of Mati and was attended by the priests, bishops, and archbishops who were present in the convention and followed by the socialization night at Capitol hills.

On the other hand, a solemn conference took place on the second day which where Most Rev. Raul Dael, D.D, Bishop of the Diocese of Tandag was the keynote speaker. In his talk, Bishop Dael emphasized the importance of journeying together as one in mission.

A business meeting took place which tackled important matters in relation to the next year DCM Convention. It was also agreed during the meeting, that the Diocese of Cotabato from the sub region of KIDMACO will be the host of DCM 2024.

The DCM Officials declared Msgr. Romeo Cathedral as the newly elected DCM President. It was then followed by the Holy Eucharist presided by Most Rev. Moises Cuevas, D.D, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.

In the afternoon, a friendship game such as basketball, badminton and lawn tennis took place in different sporting venues in Mati where clergy from different sub regions of Mindanao participated.

On the same day as the DCM 2023 concluded, the Host Diocese-Mati marked their 39th founding anniversary with a Holy Eucharist presided by Archbishop of Davao, Most. Rev. Romulo Valles, DD. (Kyrie Jacky Sobrecarey)