Quezon City, Philippines. The Conference on Mary (ConMaria) is being initiated by the Claretian Missionaries, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province in the Philippines, under the care of the Prefecture of Communications through its publishing ministry, the Claretian Communications Foundation Inc. (CCFI) in collaboration with the Claret School of Quezon City. The 2nd Conference on Mary aims to highlight the Magnificat, the Blessed Virgin Mary’s hymn of praise to God. The Magnificat means “to magnify” or to proclaim, praise, or worship the Lord, which is taken from the first word of the first line of Magnificat anima mea Dominum or My soul magnifies the Lord. As the most famous song of Mary, it speaks of the greatness of God (Ps 145:3) and recognizes His abundant mercy (Eph 2:4) for all.
This year’s conference is not only a celebration of God’s love and mercy manifested in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary; moreover, the Claretian Missionaries commemorates the 25th Martyrdom of the Servant of God, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, on May 03, 2000, in the island province of Basilan.
The hybrid conference, with the theme “MAGNIFICAT: Mary’s Manifesto of Hope.” (Luke 1:46-55) was held on May 01, 2025, at the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Hall, Claret School of Quezon City, while online participants joined through Zoom. The event coincided with the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Mary’s faithful and loving spouse.
The program started with an invocation led by the Religious of Mary Immaculate Claretian Missionary Sisters, where the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was recited. Rev. Fr. Louie Guades, CMF, Prefect of Communications, opened the event and welcomed the conference participants. This was followed by the inspiring message of Rev. Fr. Amador Tumbaga CMF, Provincial Superior.
The first talk, Healing Hearts: Embracing the Motherhood of Mary by Rev. Fr. Rogie Castellano, CP, expounded on how the Virgin Mary’s role as a mother profoundly exemplifies her unwavering acceptance of God’s will. This acceptance highlights her strength and enables her to express deep compassion for others, offering comfort and solace during difficult times.
The second talk, the Fiat of Mary: The Fulfillment of God’s Promise by Rev. Fr. James Cervantes, MIC, presented how Mary’s life has set an example for us and taught us the importance of always seeking and doing God’s will. Mary, as the ‘living tabernacle’, becomes the first dwelling place of the Son of God and is the model of humanity to live in union with Jesus.
The final talk on Mary’s Magnificat: A Hymn of Hope by Rev. Fr. Sherwin Nuñez, SMM reminded us that the song of Mary is not a song that aims at rebellion and boasting of human power but of the presentation of a hope that is rooted in God’s power to save. Moreover, it is a song too that encourages every ordinary Christian up to this day to put all our hopes in the God who is full of mercy.
After each session, the participants were divided into breakout groups for group sharing, which was followed by Q&A in the plenary.
Ms. Tinnah dela Rosa prepared the synthesis and shared her reflections, highlighting key essential points of the three presentations.
In his message to the participants, Rev. Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF, Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life, shared his insights on how to walk with Mary with his Eight Practices for Healing, Hope and Faith. Rev. Fr. Dennis Tamayo, CMF, Executive Director of CCFI, wrapped up the gathering and delivered the closing remarks. The Conference on Mary concluded with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The Kabataang Claret (Claret Youth) of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish serenaded the Blessed Mother. Ms. Mary Ann Cruz moderated the breakout sessions and the Q&A Forum. Mr. Macky Santos hosted the event.
Article by Robert Laurio of the Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.
