Phil: 12th Marist Mission Congress

12th Marist Mission Congress, A Success

The 12th Marist Mission Congress 2018 was held at JC Complex, Kidapawan City on May 23-25, 2018. The congress theme was “Renewed Marist Servant-Leaders for a New Evangelization.”

The installation of the Balangay (plank boat), the Marist Mission Symbol of the Philippine sector signaled the opening of the congress and Rev. Fr. Hipolito P. Paracha, DCK, the Vicar General of Kidapawan Diocese presided the opening liturgy. “Dayon kamo.” (Come in) was an expression of warm welcome by the host school, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College. Bro. Manuel de Leon, FMS, the school president, welcomed the 135 delegates from Marist Schools and non-school ministries. The city government of Kidapawan was represented by City Councilor, Atty. Francis E. Pulmones Jr., who expressed his assurance of the delegates’ safety in Kidapawan City.

The highlights of the opening program were the messages of Bro. Robert Teoh, FMS, Marist Provincial of East Asia Province and the video message of Bro. Ernesto Sanchez Barba, FMS, Superior General of the Marist Brothers. The delegates were challenged to respond to the calls of the 22nd General Chapter. The challenges are as follows: As a global charismatic family to be a beacon of hope in this turbulent world; to be the face and hands of God’s tender mercy; to be creative bridge-builders; to journey with children and young people living on the margins of life; and to respond boldly to emerging needs.

The three-day congress became a venue to reflect on the expressions and calls for evangelization as renewed Marist servant-leaders in mission. The workshops gave the delegates opportunities to share how their schools and ministries responded to the calls of the 22nd General Chapter. The insights on the development of peace process in Mindanao and the reality of the influence of modern technology to our young people post a greater challenge and to rethink and revisit the existing curricular programs in the different Marist Schools.

The congress ended with the statement of commitment towards the goal: Marist of Champagnat as renewed servant-leaders in mission, responding to the calls of new evangelization. The closing liturgy prayer echoed the hope for the implementation of the commitment for the next two years in anticipation of the 13th Marist Mission Congress in 2020 to be hosted by Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City.

Bro. Dominador Santiago, FMS, Chair of the Mission Commission-East Asia Province expressed his gratitude to all the delegates and to the host school. He emphasized how the host school showed its being servant-leader by making the congress a success. He further said, “The principle of the servant-leader is this: To lead the people, you need to serve the people and by doing so, show them the way forward.”

Alma S. Hordista

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