Quezon City, Philippines. The 7th annual Word Conference (WordCon) took place on November 30, 2024, at the Claret School of Quezon City under the theme “Praying the Word of God: ‘Lord, Teach Us to Pray'” (Luke 11:1). This year’s gathering aligns with Pope Francis’ designation of 2024 as a Year of Prayer, in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ The Pope calls on the faithful to embrace prayer in every season of life, fostering transformation within individuals and communities.
This year’s WordCon drew 208 participants, including 138 onsite attendees and 70 online participants from the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Macau. Both groups engaged actively in discussions through the open forum sessions.
The event began with a Bible Enthronement ceremony, followed by an inspiring address from Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior, who emphasized the prayerful and missionary spirit of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF. Joining online, Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, General Consultor and Prefect of Biblical Ministry and Communication, urged participants to deepen their commitment to prayer as the cornerstone of spiritual teaching.
In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Elias L. Ayuban, Jr., CMF, of Diocese of Cubao, described prayer as the “heartbeat of faith,” capable of transforming believers from mere hearers of the Word to active doers. He encouraged participants to use the conference as a time to rediscover the transformative power of prayer.
The conference featured four dynamic presentations:
- The Word Became Flesh: The Word of God in Sacred Images and the Eucharist
Presented by Fr. Emil D. Valeza, this talk explored how sacred art reflects the Word of God, inspiring devotion and deeper participation in the Eucharist. Fr. Enrique Luzung enriched the discussion with his reflections. - Coming Together in Prayer
Sr. Bernardita Dianzon, FSP, discussed the promise of Christ’s presence in communal prayer, drawing insights from Matthew 18:19-20. Bro. Jesus Matias, OFS, complemented the talk with practical reflections and a communal prayer exercise. - Humility, the Foundation of Prayer
Drawing from Mark 10:47 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2559), Fr. Arlo Bernardo Yap, SVD, emphasized humility as essential to prayer. Sr. Dulce Emmanuel Inlayo, OCD, shared her heartfelt reflections on the topic. - Praying the Our Father: A Summary of the Gospel
Fr. Stuart Patrick Chalmers delved into the richness of the Lord’s Prayer, describing it as a gateway to meditating on Christ’s mysteries. Fr. Salvador Agualada, Jr., CMF, provided an in-depth response, enriching the audience’s understanding.
Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF, Prefect of Bible Animation and Communications, concluded the conference by emphasizing the unity and renewal found in praying together. The event culminated in a concelebrated Eucharistic celebration, with Fr. Stuart Patrick Chalmers as the main presider, marking a meaningful end to the liturgical year and an uplifting start to the new one.
WordCon 2024 reminded participants that prayer is not just a practice but a transformative encounter with God that strengthens both personal faith and communal bonds.
