MSPC 18th Enjoins Everyone to Take Part in Its Commitment and Prepare for the 2000th Anniversary of the Great Commission in 2033

The 18th Mindanao–Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC), held in Iligan City from October 20 to 25, 2025, culminated with an invitation to all the faithful—especially those from Mindanao—to embrace the commitments articulated in the MSPC Conference Statement, which was read during the closing Mass on October 25, 2025.

A total of 314 official MSPC delegates, after several rounds of “Conversation in the Spirit,” affirmed the Conference’s Context, Challenges, and Commitments.

In its statement, the Conference acknowledged that “Mindanao is richly blessed by God’s gifts—land, culture, people, and faith—yet deeply wounded by historical conflict, inequality, corruption, poor governance, ecological degradation, and social division.” Furthermore, it emphasized that families and young people face new challenges, particularly in the digital age and space.

However, the Conference also recognized signs of hope that “shine through the dedication of lay collaborators and servant-leaders, and the pastoral accompaniment of bishops, priests, and consecrated men and women who journey closely with the young and the laity.”

The delegates identified challenges in several key areas: Family, Youth and Digital Spaces, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), Integral Ecology, Peace and Dialogue, Truth and Integrity, Integral Formation, Listening and Synodal Conversion, and New Evangelization.

Having articulated these contexts and challenges, the 314 delegates committed themselves to the following actions:

“Accompany and empower families in their mission of love and faith, fostering dialogue, prayer, and responsible use of digital platforms; journey with the youth in digital and physical spaces, guiding them to encounter Christ through creativity, service, and solidarity; strengthen BECs as living expressions of a synodal Church—centers of faith, service, and social transformation; advance ecological conversion through sustainable practices in parishes, schools, and institutions; and implement the MSPC 17th Integral Ecology Ministry.”

They also pledged to “foster and expand interreligious and ecumenical dialogue; witness to a life of truth and integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability in ecclesial and civic life; and institutionalize integral and ongoing formation for clergy, religious, and lay faithful that deepens faith, fosters discernment, and strengthens pastoral leadership.”

Additionally, the statement calls for the formation of more spiritual companions, guides, and directors who embody the spirit of synodal listening and discernment, walking with others in faith and service.

MSPC 18 concluded with an invitation to look forward to the 2000th Anniversary of the Great Commission in 2033, the Jubilee of the New Evangelization. This milestone calls everyone to renew their commitment to Christ’s mandate to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). (Victoria Libay Estoque)