Mindanao Church Gears Up for 18th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference in Iligan

The Local Churches in Mindanao are set to gather for the 18th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) on October 20–24, 2025, hosted by the Diocese of Iligan.

Held every three years, the MSPC serves as a forum whereby key leaders from the 20 dioceses and two Apostolic Vicariates of Jolo and Marawi come together to discern on their respective pastoral directions, and possibly, identify shared common pastoral concerns.

The MSPC’s 18th gathering is anchored on the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope Towards Synodal Conversion in the Path of New Evangelization.” It underscores the Church’s continuing journey of renewal in Communion, Participation, and Mission amid the emerging realities unfolding in the diverse communities in Mindanao-Sulu.

From the Archdiocese of Davao, 14 delegates will take part in the conference. Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. has appointed the following representatives: Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, Fr. Junar de la Victoria, Fr. Junel Bustamante, Fr. Alcris Panganiban, Fr. Roy Mejias, Fr. Dexter Veloso, Br. Noelvic Deloria, SC, Sr. Vilma Villanueva, TDM, Dr. Eddelyn Gupeteo, Annie Libres, Lilia Aventurado, Charlie Modequillo, Victoria L. Estoque.

A total of 65 participants from the Metropolitan See of Davao (Archdiocese of Davao together with its suffragan Dioceses of Digos, Tagum and Mati) will join the 18th MSPC. The four dioceses have prepared a video presentation highlighting pastoral best practices, particularly the lived-experience of synodality. The Key Points presented in the video are the following:

• Sentire Cum Ecclesia (Feeling and thinking with the Church);
• The vitality of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs);
• The spirit of Stewardship through Halad Pasalamat and the gradual discontinuation of the arancel system;
• The active involvement of youth, especially in social communications across the four dioceses of Davao, Digos, Tagum, and Mati (DADITAMA).

The five-day conference will open with a Eucharistic Celebration on October 20 at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Iligan City, to be presided by Most Rev. Jose R. Rapadas III, D.D., Bishop of Iligan.

As the Local Churches in Mindanao gather once again, the MSPC continues to be a venue of collaboration—where the local Churches walk together as true pilgrims of hope in the spirit of synodality. (Victoria L. Estoque)