The Global 2033 Leaders’ Summit Philippines, a three-day conference from September 19 to 21, 2024, was held at The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community Heritage Center. Global 2033 is a Catholic movement, a collaborative effort of different organizations to bring their energies together to bring the Gospel to all mankind.
DAY ONE: 19 September 2024
A total of 144 delegates from the Philippines and different parts of the world registered for the first day of the Global 2033 Leaders’ Summit.
To bring the congregation to a Spirit-filled learning mood, Clarissa Martinez from San Diego, USA, led the praise and worship, accompanied by The Lord’s Flock Psalm Ministry.
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
The Summit was officially opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated by Most Rev. Daniel Presto, DD, Chairman of CBCP Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis; Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao; Most Rev. Dennis Villarojo, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos; and Most Rev. Midyphil Billones, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
In his homily, Bishop Presto highlighted the important work of missionaries in evangelization, summarizing the strategies into three actions: the attitude of inclusion and reaching out to the “insignificant” people; the wisdom of giving a “second chance” to persons who are “in need of salvation”; and the necessity of following up people.
Towards the end of the mass, as the host of the Summit, The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community’s Elder-Founder and Vision-Holder, Ma. Theresa “SOAR” M. Rodriguez, welcomed the delegates and shared that “…we shall invoke and allow the flow of the Spirit to speak to all of us and to the people of Asia.”
(photo credits to Global 2033 Philippines)
SESSION 1: EVANGELIZATION OF THE NATION
Rev. Fr. Jason H. Laguerta, Director of the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization, set the perspective and objectives of the conference: to understand and contextualize Global 2033 in the Asian setting and explore the Philippines participation in the synodal pilgrimage to 2033.
CHURCH VISION 2033: TOWARDS A 2033 VISION, Global 2033 Mission
Three speakers shared their global vision for evangelization. Global 2033 International Director Mr. Henry Cappello reminded the body that the church exists to evangelize. Using the virtue of “multiplication,” missionary disciples can be formed in local parishes to evangelize, reach the unreached, then activate and invigorate the Catholic Church worldwide. Thus, he stated that the Mission can be summarized as “Mobilizing Everyone. Reaching Everyone.”
Global 2033 (G33) General Secretary Fr, Bernard de Terves, MEP, summed up the “How” for this vision for evangelization: by praying to the Lord Jesus Christ and by invoking the Holy Spirit through a “Global Prayer Campaign.” Missionaries are ignited to set the world on fire.
The third speaker is the founder of the Women of Influence Summits (WiNS), Dr. Sabina Lee Cappello. She presented the challenge of getting young people to receive the message of God and say “YES” to Him.
(photo credits to Global 2033 Philippines)
SESSION 2: COLLABORATION FOR THE MISSION
Most Rev. George Palliparambil, SDB, Chairman FABC Office of Evangelization, Bishop of Miao, India, shared his views on solidarity and co-responsibility. He mentioned that while 50% of the world population live in Asia, 92% have yet to hear about Jesus.
SESSION 3: GRACES AND CHALLENGES IN THE NEW EVANGELIZATION
The third session focused on graces and challenges in the new evangelization.
On the challenge of sexuality and identity, “Live Pure Movement’s” National Coordinator James Michaelson contends that with the grace of God, today’s youth can live a chaste life.
Mr. Rene de Jesus of the “Focolare Movement” talked about unity in building an ecumenical family.
“EWTN” Asia-Pacific’s Edwin Lopez shared about communication and culture in evangelization, saying the ability to adapt methods to varying audiences is crucial, as well as bridging the cultural gap in this industry.
The final speaker was from “The Feast.” Nico Tee shared their organization’s strategy for bringing more youth into their evangelization program.
The open forum enabled the participants to share their thoughts and queries on the presentations. There were also opportunities to get to know one another through the snack and lunch breaks.
CONVERSATIONS AND INTEGRATION (Synthesis, Day 1)
Fr. Laguerda and Fr. Terves enjoined every missionary to open his or her heart to the next decade of mission. Their parting words for Day 1:
- Evangelization is global, not parochial. The world is not just geographical, but relational – in terms of conversations and conversions.
- Universality of the church. This is a Catholic experience in the context of mission. Every baptized Catholic has a responsibility to the whole world.
- A message to the Gen Z: You are the PRESENT, not the future, of the Church. The Lord will be equipping and transforming you.
BLESSED SACRAMENT
The finale was the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It was a profound moment of silence, reflection, and deep reverence to feel God’s presence and allow Him to speak to all.
The Global 2033 Summit concluded the first day with breakthrough insights and food for thought for the participants. “2033” is not just a number; it is a series of encounters with the redeemer, Jesus, who gives life direction. It is a call to put the whole church in motion and for the whole body to be missionary.
To God be the glory!
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Written by: Chebelle Velasco
