Conversion in the Spirit

It is in the silence and listening of the heart that I discovered where true conversion happens.

As part of the Formation Ministry in our humble home, San Pablo Parish, I am deeply grateful for the gift of life and for the guidance of Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, our priest in charge of Formation. Days before April 30, 2026, I was tasked to attend the Formators’ Meeting—a gathering of various organizations and ministries under the parish’s Formation Ministry. What I initially thought would be an ordinary evening soon became a meaningful encounter.

At first, I had no expectations for what would happen on that day. I had already experienced a “Conversation in the Spirit” before, which was the main activity of the gathering. Still, I knew it was a blessing to be guided by a priest who intentionally brings people together.

The evening began with Msgr. Julius explaining the background and purpose of the gathering, and its call to us as members of a synodal Church. As a young person, the idea of synodality initially felt serious & overwhelming. Yet, he explained it with clarity and simplicity. One line stayed with me: “Gamay ang impact ug mag iya-iya ta.” Indeed, our efforts become limited when we work alone. This insight resonated deeply with my experience in the youth apostolate. Our activities are never accomplished in isolation—they are made possible through the support of GSLs in the GKK, who offer not only financial resources but also guidance that shapes our understanding of service. At the parish level, synodality becomes a lived reality through collaboration with priests, ministries, center organization, schools, and the wider Archdiocese of Davao.

More than collaboration, I realized that synodality is also a call to continuous formation. As formators, we are invited not only to guide others but to remain open to being formed ourselves. There is a quiet danger in becoming too comfortable in leading while neglecting our own growth. How can we journey with others if we ourselves stop moving forward?

That evening also reshaped my understanding of youth ministry. We are often known for vibrant events filled with music and energy. Yet, I discovered that transformation does not only happen in noise and activity—it happens in silence. It is in slowing down, in listening deeply, and in encountering God through others that true conversion in the Spirit takes place. My hope is to see more priests who share the same heart as Msgr. Julius Rodulfa—leaders who gather, guide, and journey with their people.

In the end, I came to understand that synodality, though it may sound serious, is not complicated. It is simply the willingness to encounter God through His people. (Kristine Silvino)