Sulong Padayon: The Diocese of Digos moves forward to a listening and loving Church

The Diocese of Digos recently took a powerful step forward in its faith journey with the Sulong Padayon Synod Implementation Framework Orientation, held on November 10-11, 2025, at the Fatima Center, Digos City. More than just a gathering, this two-day event was a heartfelt call to all ministries in the Diocese to become the Church that God dreams of: a Synodal Church.

“Sulong Padayon,” which means “Move Forward, Keep Going,” perfectly captures the spirit of this vital phase. It is the continuation of the Church’s worldwide Synod journey (2021–2028), moving from the initial stage of listening and sharing to actively putting those lessons into practice in our parishes and communities.

The goal of this Implementation Phase is simple but profound: to find new ways of working and relating that make the Church’s life more synodal (meaning “walking together”) and more effective in sharing the Gospel. This is a mission for every single one of us. It starts with our Bishop, Priests, and Deacons, and extends to every member of the People of God—in our parishes, associations, and especially in our Small Christian Communities (BECs/GKKs).

The four cornerstones of the Sulong Padayon Synod Implementation Framework – TINIG, TAWID-TANAW, TAPAK-TINDIG, and TIPAN—form a unified path for the Church’s renewal.

The framework begins with TINIG (Listening to All), which calls us to practice deep, heartfelt listening to God and one another to truly hear the Spirit’s call. This essential first step leads directly into TAWID-TANAW (Being Converted), where the community commits to a personal and communal “crossover” from old, self-centered ways to new, missionary habits.

These conversions are then activated through TAPAK-TINDIG (Creating an Impact). This phase focuses on putting our goals into action by developing accountable, collaborative, and transparent leadership structures within the Diocese. The entire process then culminates in TIPAN (Returning to the Covenant), which renews our sacred promise with God by ensuring inclusive participation from the grassroots and fostering genuine partnership and outreach to the world.

The orientation was a powerful reminder that the Synod is not just a passing event; it is how we live and how we are meant to be. Under the loving guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Diocese of Digos is committed to moving forward—SULONG PADAYON —to become a more listening, more collaborative, and more missionary Church, where every person is seen, heard, and welcomed in the joyful light of Christ. (Sugid)