Catechesis and evangelization emerged as top priorities as the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa (AVPP) opened its two day Synodal Pastoral Discernment Assembly to review and recalibrate its five year pastoral direction.
Church leaders said the gathering aims to align ministries more closely with God’s will and the needs of communities across Palawan.
“This synodal-pastoral discernment invites us to truly pray, ‘Thy will be done,’ not only in words but in the way we shape our ministries and decisions,” Rev. Fr. Joseph Cacacha, Vicar for Pastoral Services, said in Filipino.
“We are called to listen — to the voice of God and to the voice of His people — so that our plans may faithfully respond to the needs of our communities,” he added.
The assembly, held under the theme “Thy will be done” from the Gospel of Matthew 6:10, brings together clergy, religious and lay delegates. It forms part of the vicariate’s continuing synodal process that began in February 2024.
Delegates reviewed commission reports and the results of a consultation survey conducted with the University of Santo Tomas before identifying urgent pastoral concerns.
Participants were grouped into clusters to assess priorities using criteria based on Direction of Intention and Means of Operation, examining structures, skills and spirituality in parish ministries.
“Our goal is not simply to measure accomplishments. We are discerning together where the Spirit is leading AVPP and how we can respond more faithfully as a local Church,” Cacacha said.
The two day assembly continues with further discussions and consolidation of recommendations that will guide the vicariate’s pastoral direction in Palawan.
