ICTP Book of Abstracts and Programme

Book of Abstracts

Day 1 (13 February 2024, Tuesday) Time Slot 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

8:00 – 8:20 a.m.

Activity Registration Preliminaries Opening Prayer Philippine National Anthem Vatican City Hymn Welcome Remarks

Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. Rector, University of Santo Tomas

8:20 – 9:05 a.m.

9:05 – 9:30 a.m.

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

What is the Future of the Priesthood?

His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet Intermission –

UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe Plenary Talk #1:

A Sociological Reflection on the Selected Research Narratives of Priest Catechists and Young Filipino Catechized 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 a.m.

Dr. Clarence M. Batan Health Break

Plenary Talk #2

Vocation and Formation of Priests in the Philippines Most. Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, DD Open Forum / Panel Discussion

Dr. Batan and Abp. Villegas 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Fellowship Luncheon Intermission -

UST Conservatory of Music String Quartet Plenary Talk #3

Care for Clergy: Addressing Stress, Burnout, and Wellbeing among Priests Fr. Jordan Orbe, S.J. 2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Health Break Plenary Talk #4

Integrity in Ministry Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, O.P. Master of the Order of Preachers 3:45 – 4:15 p.m.

Open Forum / Panel Discussion

Fr. Orbe and Fr. Timoner 4:15 – 4:35 p.m.

4:35 – 5:35 p.m.

Announcements/Closing Eucharistic Celebration

Day 2 (14 February 2024, Wednesday) Time Slot

Activity

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Registration

8:00 – 8:07 a.m.

Preliminaries

Opening Prayer

Message

Rev. Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J.

President, Ateneo de Manila University

8:07 – 8:15 a.m.

Synthesis of Day 1

Dr. Joel C. Sagut

Director, Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics

8:15 – 9:00 a.m.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

“Here I am”! Theology of the Call. Anthropological Challenges and Priestly Vocations Fr. Philippe Capelle Dumont

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Intermission –

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Plenary Talk #5

UST Singers

Role of Priests in Ministering to Migrants Fr. Fabio Baggio, CS

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Health Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Plenary Talk #6

Women’s Contributions to the Priesthood – Then, Now, And in Years to Come?

Sr. Ma. Anicia Co, RVM

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 nn

Open Forum / Panel Discussion

12:00 – 1:15 p.m.

Fellowship Luncheon

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.

Intermission –

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Plenary Talk #7

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

3:45 – 4:15 p.m.

4:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Fr. Baggio and Sr. Co

UST Singers

Role of Priests in Ecological Stewardship Dr. Carmen Valdés Health Break Plenary Talk #8

Priestly Ministry in Social Media and the New Evangelization His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle Open Forum / Panel Discussion

Dr. Valdés and Cardinal Tagle Closing Remarks

Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, OP Secretary-General, UST

4:30 – 4:50 p.m.

Announcements

4:50 – 5:50 p.m.

Ash Wednesday Mass

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet Marc Ouellet was born on June 8th, 1944 at Lamotte, Canada. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Amos, on May 25th, 1968. He studied in Rome, where in 1974 he obtained a license in philosophy at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In 1983, he got a doctorate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, with a thesis entitled Existence as a mission. The theological anthropology of Hans Urs von Balthasar. Between 1970 and 1989, he lived in Colombia, where he taught for a decade in varied seminaries with priests of Saint-Sulpice. Then, from 1996 to 2002, he held the chair of sacramental theology at John Paul II Institute for Studies on marriage and family.

In March 2001 he was chosen as the titular bishop of Agropoli and Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. On the 19th of the same month, he received the episcopal ordination from John Paul II, who in 2002 appointed him Metropolitan Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada. He was created Cardinal in 2003. In 2010 Benedict XVI appointed him Prefect of Dicastery for Bishops, and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was confirmed in those two positions by Pope Francis.

Since 12 April 2023 he has been Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery of Bishops. In 2020 he founded the Centre for Research and Anthropology of Vocations (CRAV), which promotes the vocational awareness of all the baptised and the complementarity of baptismal vocations in the Church

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MANILA 2024

Keynote Address

What is the Future of the Priesthood?

Despite everything, interest in the priesthood is still alive and well, and it‘s worth investing in it. For what future? If there were only the ministerial priesthood, the future would seem uncertain, especially in the West. But this is not the case, if we take seriously the Second Vatican Council‘s opening up of the priesthood to baptised people (LG 10). Should we not highlight the meaning and importance of this priesthood and its relationship to the specific priesthood of ministers? Such a task was undertaken by the Roman Symposium of February 2022 for "a fundamental theology of the priesthood"; the Acts of this Symposium are offered to the public in various presentations on all continents. The authors believe that the Holy Spirit is blowing to revive vocations at all Levels, and that the fundamental perspective proposed can make the difference for a better future.

QUEL AVENIR POUR LE SACERDOCE ?

L’intérêt pour le sacerdoce demeure vivant malgré tout et il vaut la peine de s’y investir. Pour quel avenir ? S’il n’y avait que le sacerdoce ministériel, l’avenir paraîtrait incertain, surtout en Occident. Or tel n’est pas le cas, si nous prenons au sérieux l’ouverture du Concile Vatican II au sacerdoce des baptisés. Ne faudrait-il pas mettre en lumière le sens et l’importance de celuici et son rapport au sacerdoce spécifique des ministres ? Une telle tâche a été entreprise par le Symposium romain de février 2022 pour « une théologie fondamentale du sacerdoce » ; les Actes de ce Symposium sont offerts au public lors de différentes présentations sur tous les continents. Les auteurs croient que l’Esprit Saint souffle pour relancer les vocations à tous les niveaux, et que la perspective fondamentale proposée peut faire la différence pour un avenir meilleur.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Philippe Capelle Dumont Fr. Capelle is a French philosopher, specializing in phenomenology, metaphysics, and theology. A priest of the Catholic Church, he was a professor at the Faculty of Catholic Theology of the University of Strasbourg, honorary dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of the Catholic Institute of Paris, of which he was dean for 10 years, and president of the Catholic Academy of France. He is a specialist in the relationship between faith and reason.

He has written over 50 books and over 400 peerreviewed articles, contributions to collective works, prefaces and afterwords of works, translations, and reviews. He directs the collection “Philosophie & Théologie” at the Éditions du Cerf and the collection of metaphysics “Chaire Etienne-Gilson” at the Presses Universitaires de France.

Distinctions given to him include the Ex Corde Ecclesiae medal of the “International Federation of Catholic Universities” in 2009, Professor Doctor Honoris Causa of the Catholic University of Argentina in 2011, Knight of the Legion of Honor in 2015, and the Grente Grand Prize of the French Academy in 2021.

He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Paris-Sorbonne and his Doctor of Theology degree from the University of Strasbourg.

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MANILA 2024

Keynote Address

“Here, I Am”. Theology of The Call.

Anthropological Challenges and the Future of Priestly Vocations” Abstract: The aim of that lecture will be to follow up on the international Symposium “For a fundamental theology of the priesthood” introduced by the Pope (Rome, 2022), by asking the question of the current conditions both theoretical and practical for the Call to the priesthood, taking into account the contemporary anthropological crisis and the various ecclesial effects of the post-Vatican II period. It will be developed in connection with the Apostolic Exhortation John Paul II: Pastores Dabo Vobis, whose thirtieth anniversary we have just celebrated. 

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Dr. Clarence M. Batan CLARENCE M. BATAN, PhD is Professor of Sociology, Chair of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Letters, and former Director of the Research Center for Culture, Education, and Social Issues (RCCESI) from 2015 to 2016 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila, Philippines. Clarence was instrumental in reorganizing the RCCESI which led to the establishment of two multidisciplinal-based centers namely, the Research Center for the Social Sciences and Education (RCSSED), and the Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities (RCCAH) in 2017.

Clarence was President of the Philippine Sociological Society (2017-2018) and Vice President for Asia in the Research Committee on the Sociology of Youth (RC34) (2014-2018) of the International Sociological Association.

His research interests are the sociology of childhood and youth; sociology of work and employment; sociology of Filipino Catholicism; Global South scholarship; and qualitative and mixed methods.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Major in Sociology at the University of Santo Tomas (1995), and MA in Sociology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Having completed his graduate studies in North America (including a PhD in Sociology at Dalhousie University in Canada and an international research fellowship at Brown University in the USA) he has been challenged through his involvement in the Global South youth studies project to center the works of Southeast Asian theorists and Filipino academics in his sociological research.

He continues his istambay (on standby) research on the phenomenon of “waithood and precarity” through the project, Pilipinong Kabataang Naghahabi ng Buhay (Filipino Youth Weaving Lives) and led The National Catechetical Study (NCS): Pastoral Action Research and Intervention (PARI) Project in partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education.

He authored and edited several books, book chapters, journal articles, modules, such as TALIM: Mga Kwento ng Sampung Kabataan (TALIM: Life Stories of Ten Young People)(2000); Batong-bahay: Naratibo ng Kahirapan at Tagumpay ng Isang Karaniwang Pamilyang Pilipino (Stone house: A Filipino family’s narrative of poverty and 8

MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

success) (2010); Katekista: Mga Tulang Pananaliksik Hango Sa National Catechetical Study (NCS) 2016-2018 (2020); and Katekista Findings and Insights from the National Catechetical Study (NCS) 2016-2021: Pastoral Action Research and Intervention (PARI) Project (A Research Monograph) (2021).

Clarence is fondly called “Yayet” by his family, friends, colleagues, and students, and actively serves as a policy consultant for the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. Yayet spends most of his creative energies with his parents and loved ones where he finds joy, fulfillment, and meaning in leading a simple life as a testimony to God’s blessings.

A Sociological Reflection on the Selected Research Narratives of Priest Catechists and Young Filipino Catechized Abstract: This presentation narrates selected research stories of two significant parts of Catechetical Ministry (CM), the priest catechists and young Filipino catechized in our contemporary Philippine Catholic Church. It provides a sociological reflection on the Pastoral Action Research and Intervention (PARI) component of the National Catechetical Study (NCS) 2016-2021 PARI Project that directs attention to the following: (a) the observed disposition, dedication, and direction of selected priests who serve as catechetical directors; and (b) the cultural context, sense of Catholicity and Catholic ethic of selected young Filipino catechized. These narratives engender the pastoral role, responsibility, and rigor expected from priest catechists as well as the challenges they endure in accomplishing their multiple responsibilities in relation to the documented limited engagement of young Filipino Catholics as CM is socio-demographically characterized as aging and women-centered. Taking the symbolic PARI acronym, which in Filipino language means “priest,” this presentation argues about how catechesis as socially-experienced contributes meaningfully to the nourishment of vocations among the clergy and consecrated persons.

This implies on the one hand, the persisting salience of CM in the formation and practices of priests to becoming “pastors with catechetical hearts,” and on the other, the significance of catechesis in nurturing the Catholic experience and vocation especially among the young Filipino Catholics.

Thus, the PARI approach appears to serve both as a theoretical as well as methodological frame in understanding the needs, aspirations, and challenges of priest catechists and young Catholics in the Philippine Catholic Church beyond her 500 years of history.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Most. Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, DD Archbishop Villegas has been the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan since his appointment

by Pope Benedict XVI on September 8, 2009. Currently the Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Seminaries, he was also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from 2013 to 2017.

He was a synodal father in the Synod of Bishops of 2012 and 2014 and served as the CEO of the Tenth World Youth Day held in Manila in 1995 and the World Meeting of Families in 2002. He had previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Manila from 2001 to July 3, 2004, and the third Bishop of Balanga in Bataan from July 3, 2004 to November 4, 2009.

A Catholic Authors Awardee in 1994, he has authored ten books of homilies and spiritual meditations.

He studied for the priesthood at San Carlos Seminary with a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

Transforming Hearts and Minds: The Vocation and Formation of Priests in the Philippines Abstract: Drawing on a deep understanding of the Filipino cultural context and the unique challenges faced by the Church, the presentation examines the various dimensions of priestly vocation and formation in the Philippines. It explores the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and pastoral aspects that contribute to the holistic development of persons called to serve as priests.

It highlights the significance of discernment in the Filipino priesthood, emphasizing the rigorous process of self-discovery, prayer, and guidance that potential priests undergo to discern their calling.

The presentation explores the contemporary programs that help shape the theological understanding, pastoral skills, and personal growth of future priests. Attention is given to the integration of Filipino culture, values, and traditions within the formation process. It addresses the challenges faced by priests in the Philippines, and explores the ways in which the formation process equips priests to respond to these challenges with competence, compassion, and commitment.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Jordan Orbe, S.J. Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ is a Jesuit priest and currently the Executive Director of Emmaus Center for PsychoSpiritual Formation and Accompaniment. He is a licensed psychologist in the Philippines and a trained psychotherapist. His clinical experience includes supervised work in various mental health settings such as university counseling centers, community-based clinics, and private psychotherapy practice. He was ordained a priest in 2012 and worked as chaplain of Philippine General Hospital from 2012-14. His previous assignments include campus ministry work in Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan, assistant director of San Jose College Seminary, associate at the Center for Ignatian Spirituality Philippines. He is also currently part of the formation team of Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

“Care for Clergy: Addressing Stress, Burnout, and Wellbeing among Priests” Abstract: Religious and diocesan clergy encounter significant challenges in the modern world. Priests navigate multiple roles, often pushing their limits to meet various responsibilities, leading to negative stress and a potential risk of burnout. This presentation seeks to present a framework for understanding stress within the clerical context. It will highlight specific factors that contribute to burnout, exploring their implications on the lives and ministry of priests. Furthermore, the talk will introduce practical strategies to foster the wellbeing of priests, drawing on insights from both psychology and spirituality. It will emphasize the crucial link between a priest’s wellbeing and their sustained effectiveness in ministry, as well as the overall flourishing of the community of faith. Using an integrated approach, this presentation aspires to contribute practical strategies towards resilience and growing integrity in the priestly vocation.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, O.P. Fr. Timoner is the 88th Master of the Order of Preachers and the first Asian to hold the position.

He served as the Rector of the UST Central Seminary in 2007, the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines in 2012, and then as the Socius of the Master for Asia-Pacific in 2017, before being elected Master of the Order in July 2019. As the head of the Dominican Order, he is also the current Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him to the Vatican’s International Theological Commission.

He obtained his licentiate in philosophy at the Philippine Dominican Center for International Studies in 1991 and a licentiate in theology at the University of Santo Tomas in 1994.

He joined the Dominicans in 1985, professed his vows in 1989, and was ordained a priest in 1995. In 2004, he earned additional degrees in sacred theology and intercultural theology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

Integrity in Ministry Abstract: Considering that trust and credibility are paramount, the presentation discusses the integrity in upholding the sacred responsibilities entrusted to the clergy. By examining the theological foundations, scriptural teachings, and historical perspectives, the presentation elucidates how integrity serves as the bedrock of authentic priestly service, and equips the ministers of Christ with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity. It highlights the inherent connection between integrity and the essential virtues of honesty, transparency, accountability, and moral uprightness.

Furthermore, the presentation explores the challenges that clergy face in maintaining integrity amidst a complex and everchanging world, emphasizing the need for ongoing formation and support systems within the Church to foster and sustain integrity in ministry. By underscoring the critical link between personal integrity and the evangelizing mission of the Church, the talk aims to inspire the participants to reflect upon their own commitment to integrity and their significance in attracting others to the faith.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Fabio Baggio, CS Fr. Fabio Baggio is a member of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo. He gained a doctorate in church history at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1998. Fr. Baggio worked as a pastor in Santiago del Chile from 1995 to 1997 and was also advisor for migrations to the Chilean bishops’ conference (INCAMI). Afterwards until 2002, he served as director of the Department for Migration of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. From 1999-2010, he taught at the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires as well as the Ateneo de Manila and the Maryhill School of Theology at Quezon City in the Philippines, where he was director of the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC). From the year 2000 he was also professor at the Scalabrini International Migration Institute (SIMI), which is incorporated into the theology Faculty of the Pontifical Urban University in Rome.

He became its director in 2010. He has been one of the two Under-Secretaries of the Refugees and Migrants Section of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development since 1 January 2017. On 23 April 2022 the Holy Father appointed him as Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development also with responsibility for the Migrants and Refugees Section and Special Projects.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

Beyond Borders: The Role of Priests in Ministering to Migrants Abstract: In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, Pope Francis regarded the Filipino migrants as “smugglers of faith” because “wherever they go to work, they sow the faith” with joy (14 March 2021). The role of priests takes on profound significance in providing them spiritual, emotional, and practical support.

It underscores the power of accompaniment, advocacy, and community building.

The presentation examines the multifaceted nature of the experiences of migrants, encompassing cultural adaptation, displacement, separation from loved ones, and often precarious living conditions. It explores the challenges in navigating complex immigration policies, cultural differences, and potential conflicts with host communities. It discusses the importance of promoting social justice, dignity, and human rights for migrants, highlighting the transformative power of intercultural dialogue and solidarity.

By going beyond borders, priests extend their pastoral care and compassion to those on the margins, ensuring that migrants are not only welcomed but also embraced as valuable members of society.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Sr. Ma. Anicia Co, RVM SISTER MARIA ANICIA BATION CO, RVM, Ph.D., S.Th.D. is a member of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). She made her first profession in 1977 and perpetual vows in 1984. She is at present in charge of the Special Ministry and Overseas Mission of her congregation as the Third Consultor General. She earned the following degrees with distinction: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 1975; Master of Arts in Theological Studies, from Maryhill School of Theology, 1985; Licentiate in Sacred Theology, from the Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven (KUL), Belgium, 1987; Ph.D. in Religious Studies (KUL), 1990; Doctor in Sacred Theology (KUL), 1991. Scripture, particularly the New Testament, is her field of expertise. She started teaching in schools of theology and institutes of formation in 1991 but she had to stop teaching in 2001 when she was elected as the second General Consultor of the RVM Congregation and assigned to the RVM Education Ministry. To gain competence in this field, she enrolled in the Executive Program of the De La Salle University in 2005, completing her academic requirements for Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Management, short of a dissertation. She was appointed Directress and then President of St. Mary’s College, Quezon City (2001-2011) and Directress of the Mother Ignacia Center for Spirituality (1999-2001; 20162022). She served in the Office of Theological Concerns of the FABC in 2002-2012. She is a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America (CBAA), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the Society of American Archivist (SAA), as well as a founding member of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP). She is also a member of the International Academic Advisory Board of the Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA). She teaches at the Loyola School of Theology (LST), the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay (DWST), the Institute for Formation and Religious Studies (IFRS), Maryhill School of Theology (MST) and the RVM Religious Education Institute. She gives talks and lectures on different themes and topics of Scriptures, Consecrated Life, Women, Ignacian Charism and Spirituality, and the history of the RVM Congregation.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD – THEN, NOW, AND IN YEARS TO COME? Abstract: In the Church’s continuing movement towards renewal, changes and growth are expected to happen. The synodal process in a way represents the commitment of the Church to constantly listen to what God wants of the Church here and now.

Respecting the Church tradition expressed in Inter insigniores (1976) and in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (1994) of Pope John Paul II, that “the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church’s faithful,” the discussion on women’s contributions to the priesthood would have to begin with the reality of women in Church as members of the lay faithful and sharing in the common priesthood of all the baptized.

As we go through the many and various ways by which women through the years have experienced communion, participation and mission in the Church, we hope to see some directions for greater appreciation of women’s contributions to the holiness of the Church, to the priestly life and ministry, and to the integral faith formation of Christian believers and communities.

Through further reflections on the charisms, vocation, service and mission of women in the Church, it is hoped that light will dawn to open our hearts to the possibility of engaging in dialogue on the participation of women in the Church’s ministerial and leadership roles.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Dr. Carmen Valdés Carmen “Pinky” Valdés, PhD was the first lay President of Assumption College, San Lorenzo, Manila, before that she was Dean at Assumption and is presently a professor at Loyola School of Theology and President of “Sacred Springs,” LST’s Ecological Arm. She teaches courses in Global Spirituality, Spiritual Accompaniment, Art Media and Spirituality, Mariology, History of Spirituality, Theology and Biblical Foundations of Spirituality, Mysticism, and courses based on “Laudato Si’” such as the, Migration and the Peripheries, Spirituality of Ecology.

Her passion is in the field of Mysticism, Spirituality and Education at all levels especially for GenZ and Millennials, Religious, Priests, Teachers and NGOs. She published a book through Anvil, “Educating Women Leaders” and the created of a new and innovative curriculum called, “Able” presently being used at Assumption College, San Lorenzo. Carmen has spent many years is Leadership Development.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

“THE ROLE OF PRIESTS IN ECOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP” Abstract: This lecture begins with the question, “what are we missing?”

Why is it that few people understand that God spoke only one Word in an explosion of Love… in a Big Bang of Love? They perceive the world from a dualistic point of view. Pope Francis is clear in Laudato Si’, “we were conceived in the heart of God” (LS65) … here “everything is connected.” (LS91) Unfortunately, we see the earth as “four”: “God, me, other people and nature” as separate entities.

This is misleading. In fact, Pope Francis says, “every creature is thus the object of the Father’s tenderness” … “God enfolds it with his affection.” (LS77). Even at the quantum level of existence the entire universe is an ocean of energies with infinite possibilities.

Perhaps, this is why are we losing the GenZ and the Millennials.

They seek spirituality but are frustrated with our version of religion.

What does it ask of us? Pope Francis, says – an “ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION.” Here is where we find the tremendous challenge for priests today. We, Christians, expect our priests to be perfect.

We are disappointed when they are not. This discussion offers some suggestions where priests can turn to and to be leaders in a VUCA world (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous). No, priests do not need to perfect, just vulnerable. To lead means to be ready ask those with whom we work and live: when you see me, what kind of God do you see?

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEOLOGY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

His Eminence Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, OESSH Cardinal Tagle is concurrently the Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Cardinal-Bishop of San Felice da Cantalice a Centocelle. He recently served as the 32nd Archbishop of Manila until December 8, 2019, when he was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The year after, he was named Cardinal-Bishop–the first Filipino to be included in that rank of the College of Cardinals.

He is the founder of the Philippine Conference for New Evangelization in 2013, which is the local Church’s response to the call of the new evangelization.

Pope Benedict XVI named Cardinal Tagle as one of the Synod Fathers for the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelisation on September 18, 2012, and elevated him to the College of Cardinals on October 24, 2012. Cardinal Tagle also served as a member of the Presidential Committee of the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants.

In 1991, he earned a doctorate in sacred theology from the Catholic University of America, writing his dissertation on the development of episcopal collegiality during Vatican II.

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MANILA 2024

Plenary Speaker

Beyond the Pulpit: The Priestly Ministry on Social Media and the New Evangelization Abstract: The transformative potential of social media in expanding the reach and impact of the priestly ministry in the context of the new evangelization offers opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations in utilizing social media as a tool for spreading the Gospel and fostering deeper spiritual encounter with Christ in the digital sphere.

The presentation explores the power of digital storytelling, multimedia content, and interactive engagement to captivate and inspire online audiences. It examines strategies for priests to authentically present themselves as witnesses of faith, fostering a sense of community, dialogue, and spiritual growth through their social media presence. It explores the importance of maintaining a balanced online presence, exercising prudence, and upholding the values of charity, respect, and authenticity. The presentation also emphasizes the need for ongoing formation and discernment in navigating the digital space, ensuring that the priestly presence on social media aligns with the teachings and traditions of the Church.

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