Palo, Leyte – The participants from various Archdioceses and Dioceses in the Philippines were cordially welcomed by the Parish Pastoral and Finance Council of Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish and the Council of the Laity of the Archdiocese of Palo for the “23rd National Biennial Convention” on October 27, 2023 with the theme, “United in Mission as a Synodal Church.” The welcome mass was presided over by Most Rev. John Du, D.D. – Metropolitan Archbishop of Palo.
“As Christians, we are bearers of God and we are to bring God to others,” said Abp. Du in his homily. He also added: “We are able to bring God to others when we take care of others and do good to them.”
The “Synod on Synodality” aims to increase laypeople’s involvement in church leadership and decision-making, serves as a reminder that our Church is always willing to listen to the concerns of our loving brethren, played a vital role of the Laity, and the importance of unity to be able to achieve its mission. However, this affair is open to all laypeople as well, and it is renowned for being a place of inclusivity and love.
A total of 299 registered participants all over the Philippines, officers of the Council of the Laity of the Philippines both National and Local, seminarians from St. John the Evangelist School of Theology, members of the Council of the Laity in the aforementioned Archdiocese together with their Spiritual Director, Chairman – Commission on Laity of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Paulino Cabahit, and the faithful were also present, along with concelebrated priests from Palo and several Archdioceses and Dioceses.
Before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist concluded, Dra. Edna Ayaso – Head of the Laity of the Archdiocese of Palo, expressed her words of gratitude in behalf of the council to the participants who in one way or another shared their time, effort, and treasure to make this event more fruitful and memorable. Dra. Ayaso extends her gratitude the good Archbishop for his unceasing support and prayers.
“Amidst all these changes in society, one of the things that remain constant is our Mission – our Mission of bringing Christ to others,” Du conveyed.
This gathering of the council of the laity in the Philippines was held in a three-day conference from October 27-29, 2023, in Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.
-Karl Palacio-