Embodying the Church’s Synodal Spirit: Archdiocese of Davao Hosts 4th DaDiTama Quarterly Meeting

The Archdiocese of Davao successfully hosted the 4th DaDiTaMa Quarterly Meeting on December 4–5, 2025 at the serene PME Rest House in Talomo, Davao City, gathering bishops, priests, and diocesan representatives from the ecclesiastical territories of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati. The two-day gathering became a meaningful space for spiritual renewal, pastoral collaboration, and synodal dialogue as the region’s church leaders continued their shared mission of service and communion.

Participants arrived at noon on December 4 and were welcomed through preliminaries and orientation, setting the tone for a reflective and productive assembly. The afternoon opened with a health break followed by “Conversation in the Spirit,” a synodal exercise that allowed members to listen deeply to one another and discern the movements of the Holy Spirit in their ministries. As the day approached evening, the group prepared for Holy Hour, entering a time of silence, prayer, and adoration. The day culminated with a warm pre-Christmas fellowship dinner, allowing attendees to celebrate their shared vocation with gratitude and fraternity.

The second day began at dawn with the celebration of the Holy Mass integrated with Morning Prayer presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop together with the DiTaMa bishops: Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., Bishop of Digos, Most Rev. Medil Aseo, D.D., Bishop of Tagum and Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., Bishop of Mati that inspired the participants to anchor their discussions in faith and unity. After breakfast, the formal meeting unfolded with prayers, the reading and approval of minutes, and the presentation of agenda items that reflected the pastoral concerns and priorities of the three dioceses. Among the key matters discussed were the decree on Mass stipends, updates on disaster response preparedness, ongoing social involvement initiatives, follow-up on pastoral documents, diocesan feeding programs, and steps toward implementing the Synodal Framework in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2033. Reports from dioceses on casualties related to recent disasters underscored the continued importance of collaborative action and readiness. Several updates were also shared regarding upcoming assemblies, in-service training for Catholic educators, and hosting responsibilities for DaDiTaMa events in 2026.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on strengthening inter-diocesan cooperation, particularly in areas requiring unified pastoral direction, such as the engagement of the Church with social issues, coordination with civil agencies, and the continued nurturing of Basic Ecclesial Communities across the region. Additionally, the turn-over of the DaDiTaMa Chairmanship from the Archdiocese of Davao to the Diocese of Digos also took place wherein Abp. Valles gave the symbolic DaDiTama to Bishop Guillermo “Jimmy” Afable. The bishops also spent time in dialogue, offering guidance and reflections that helped shape the direction of the assembly.

By noon, the gathering concluded with a final meal shared in fraternity, marking the end of yet another fruitful chapter in the collaborative journey of the DaDiTaMa ecclesiastical territories. The 4th Quarterly Meeting not only reviewed ongoing programs and challenges but also strengthened bonds of communion among the clergy and leadership of the three dioceses. Held in the peaceful surroundings of the PME Rest House, the event served as a moment of renewal, discernment, and hopeful planning; an embodiment of the Church’s synodal spirit as it walks together toward its mission in the years ahead.