Archdiocese of Davao Conducts First Gathering of the Laity in Celebration of National Laity Week 2026

Archdiocese of Davao, through the Archdiocesan Council of Lay Apostolates and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM), conducted its First Archdiocesan Gathering of the Laity on September 27, 2026, at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium, bringing together lay faithful from various communities, apostolates, and movements for a day of prayer, fellowship, faith formation, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church.

Carrying the theme “DILAAB” (Luke 24:32), inspired by the words, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the Scriptures to us?”, the gathering invites the lay faithful to deepen their encounter with Christ and renew their commitment to the mission of the Church. Drawing from the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the theme highlights the transforming encounter with Jesus, whose presence and teachings set their hearts ablaze with faith, hope, and renewed purpose.

The gathering will be held during the observance of National Laity Week 2026, which will take place from September 26 to October 3, 2026, with the theme “That Christ May Be Formed in Us” (Galatians 4:19). The annual church observance, promoted by the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (Laiko), invites the Filipino Catholic faithful to recognize the vital mission, empowerment, and co-responsibility of the laity in the Church and society. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the vocation of lay Catholics and their participation in the Church’s mission through their daily lives, apostolates, and service to others.

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, also known as the Council of the Laity of the Philippines, is a public association of the faithful erected by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Its purpose is to develop consultation and collaboration among the lay faithful, in accordance with the teaching of Christifideles Laici, the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II on the vocation and mission of the lay faithful in the Church and in the world. Through this mission, Laiko promotes the participation of lay Catholics in the life of the Church and encourages them to fulfill their responsibilities in collaboration with the clergy and other members of the Christian community.

The day-long gathering will begin at 7:00 a.m. with the Rosary, Enthronement of the Sacred Symbols, and Opening Ceremony, followed by Praise and Worship at 8:00 a.m. The first session will commence at 9:00 a.m., while joyful songs and merienda will be held at 10:30 a.m. Testimonies will follow at 11:00 a.m., providing participants with an opportunity to share their experiences of faith and service. At noon, the participants will pray the Angelus before lunch and a video presentation featuring different communities. Joyful songs will resume at 12:45 p.m., followed by the second session at 1:00 p.m.

The afternoon program will continue with the Closing Worship at 3:00 p.m., leading to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 4:00 p.m., which will be presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. The celebration of the Mass will serve as a central moment of thanksgiving and communion, bringing together the participants in prayer as they renew their commitment to Christ and the mission of the Church.

Through the gathering, the Archdiocese of Davao seeks to remind the lay faithful that the Church’s mission is a shared responsibility of all the baptized. Their participation in apostolates, movements, parish ministries, and community initiatives reflects the call to serve with faith, love, and a spirit of collaboration. In celebrating National Laity Week, the gathering also invites the faithful to reflect on how Christ may be formed in them, inspiring their actions, decisions, and service to others.

The First Archdiocesan Gathering of the Laity offers an opportunity to renew the joy of walking with Christ and one another. Through prayer, testimonies, formation, fellowship, and the Eucharist, the gathering encourages the faithful to become more engaged in the life of the Church and to carry the Gospel into society, allowing their hearts to remain open to Christ’s call to communion and mission.

As the Archdiocese of Davao joins the celebration of National Laity Week 2026, the gathering invites the faithful to allow Christ to be formed in them and to keep their hearts burning with faith, love, and a renewed commitment to the mission of the Church. (Bernadette Esperance)