Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc discussed perceptions about the modern Filipino priest and how these influence vocations.
MALAY, Aklan, April 24, 2013—Gathering vocation directors from dioceses all over the Philippines, the Diocesan Vocation Directors’ Conference trained the spotlight on key issues that shape the modern prospects for vocations in the diocesan setting.
The conference, attended by some 40 diocesan vocation directors, featured discussions and topics on the modern perception of the Filipino clergy, the state of vocations to the diocesan priesthood, as well as how the calling to the priestly life can be promoted in the digital age.
Filipino vocation
The first talk, “A Historical Perspective – Vocation Promotion to the Diocesan Priesthood in the Philippines and the CBCP Commission on Vocations” was given by Fr. Jose Vera Cruz Quilonguilong, SJ, rector of the Loyola House of Studies.
An in-depth look at vocations in the Philippines was given by Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara during the second talk on “An Overview – The State of Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood Today – Growing or Dying? – The Factors at Work.”
Fr. Patricio Donnie Aborde, Jr. discussed the present structures and processes of vocation promotion in the diocesan setting during the third talk.
An online denizen himself, Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC, production and training specialist of the Communication Foundation for Asia, gave a talk on “New Ways and Techniques of Vocation Promotions in the Digital World.”
Image of Filipino clergy
Even the homilies of the Holy Masses during the event featured specific concerns in the area of vocation promotion in the country.
The Holy Mass on the first day, April 8, was celebrated by Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, who talked about “The Image of the Filipino Diocesan Clergy Today.”
Antique Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo, on the other hand, explained “The Relevance of the Year of Faith to the Philippine Catholic Church.”
To wrap the conference up, the last homily on April 10 fittingly featured the “Conclusions and Recommendations of the Conference and the Call of the Year of Faith to Arch/Diocesan Vocation Directors”, given by soon to be installed Imus Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista.
The participants were also given time to discuss the challenges they have personally encountered in their respective arch/dioceses in a small group workshop facilitated by Directors of Vocations in the Philippines (DVP) National Coordinator Fr. Rochester Charles Resuello and DVP National Secretary for Religious MenFr. Alfredo Maglangit, Jr.
The conference was held from April 8–11 in Casa Pilar Beach Resort, Malay, Aklan. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
