Pilgrims of Hope Towards Synodal Conversion in the Path of New Evangelization

The 5-day 18th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC XVIII) carried the theme “Pilgrims of Hope towards Synodal Conversion in the Path of New Evangelization,” focused on the cultural, socio-political, ecological and psycho-social realities plaguing Mindanao and Sulu.

With hearts kindled by hope and bound in communion, more than 300 delegates from the different Archdioceses and Dioceses of Mindanao and Sulu embark on a sacred journey of communion, participation, and mission. Guided by the Holy Spirit, this gathering sought to renew the Church’s commitment to walk together — listening, discerning, and witnessing to Christ’s love amidst the realities of our time.

First speaker, Atty. Benedicto R. Bacani talked about Pilgrims of Hope – Journeying through Mindanao’s Current Realities In his talk, Atty. Benedicto Bacani reflected on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying through Mindanao’s Current Realities.” He emphasized that as a Synodal Church, the faithful must embrace both the blessings and the challenges that shape the island of Mindanao.

Atty. Bacani urged the delegates to face these realities with openness and courage, saying, “We cannot journey as a Synodal Church if we close our eyes to the realities around us. To be pilgrims of hope means to listen, to understand, and to engage in dialogue that heals and unites.”

He reminded everyone that despite differences and difficulties, the Church is called to be a beacon of hope—a living sign of God’s compassion and peace in Mindanao and beyond.

Second speaker, Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, D.D., Bishop of Kidapawan and President of Caritas Philippines, delivered a compelling reflection on the theme “Peace with Creation: The Ecological State of Mindanao.”

Bishop Bagaforo emphasized that caring for creation is inseparable from building peace and justice, reminding delegates that, “Peace with creation is peace with God, with one another, and with the land.”

He described Mindanao as a place “where the wounds of the land and the wounds of the people meet,” calling for renewed ecological conversion and concrete action to heal both the environment and communities.

“Creation’s cry,” he said, “is the cry of the poor.” Through his message, Bishop Bagaforo invited the faithful to live out ecological stewardship as a path toward harmony, compassion, and authentic peace in Mindanao.

Synodality and Youth – Pathways of Hope for Digital Natives and Their Challenging Realities by Mr. Jade Harley C. Bretaña. In his thought-provoking reflection, Mr. Jade Harley C. Bretaña explored how synodality offers a beacon of hope for the youth in the digital age. He highlighted the importance of listening, dialogue, and solidarity in addressing the complex realities that digital natives face, urging them to find meaning, connection, and purpose in an ever-evolving digital world. Mr. Bretaña calls on young people to rise above the challenges and become active participants in shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and faith-filled digital landscape.”

The 3rd day morning session of the 18th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) focused on the theme “Synodality and Family: Pathways of Hope for the Family’s Mission in Raising Digital Natives Today,” delivered by Rev. Fr. Jordan J. Orbe, SJ, RPSY.

Fr. Orbe began by inviting the delegates to “start where we are”—to recognize the realities, challenges, and hopes that today’s families and young people face in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. He reminded everyone that the family remains the foundation of faith and human formation, even amid the distractions and complexities of modern life.

Quoting St. John Paul II, he emphasized that “the future of humanity passes by way of the family.” In light of this, he called on the faithful to view families as bearers of hope, walking together in faith and communion as part of a synodal Church.

Fr. Orbe shared the Threefold Pathway of Hope, a guide for families to live out their mission:

Pathway 1: Love Tenderly – Nurturing presence, compassion, and genuine connection in the home.
Pathway 2: Walk Humbly – Growing, learning, and discerning together as a domestic Church.
Pathway 3: Act Justly – Extending love beyond the home through justice, care for creation, and service to others.

He highlighted that these pathways are anchored in God’s faithful love, which makes hope possible even amid struggle and change.

He emphasized that these pathways are rooted in God’s faithful love, which sustains hope amid life’s changes and struggles.

Fr. Orbe concluded, “Hope begins at home — in every simple act of love, in every effort to listen, forgive, and understand one another. When families live this hope, the whole Church learns to walk together.”

Fr. Orbe further reflected on the Church’s role in journeying with families and young people: “Young people have a lot of energy & intelligence, and a lot of them are socially involved. Let us be there to guide and give them tools to discern and decide. It can start in the family.”

He also reminded everyone of the power of community discernment: “We need to do our part by creating spaces to dialogue, collaborate, and do communal acts of discernment — to pray together, to dialogue together, and discern together.”

And to those concerned about the youth drifting away from the faith, Fr. Orbe offered a heartfelt insight: “For young people who feel distant from the Church, one factor that keeps them away is their image of God — seeing Him as punishing and strict. We must help them rediscover the real image of God — loving, merciful, and close to them.”

Through his session, Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ reminded everyone that the family is not only a gift to cherish but a mission to live— a living expression of God’s love that renews both the Church and society.

In each of the talks, the participants discussed in groups their reflections through conversations in the Spirit and identified ways to act and respond most especially to the youth. (with reports from the 18th MSPC Social Media | Photos: Diocese of Iligan).