ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (September 18, 2026)
Zamboanga City hosted the Second Convention of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines from September 1 to 5, 2026. The gathering brought together 233 consecrated women and men representing 159 religious congregations. The participants engaged in prayer, encounter, dialogue, and synodal discernment throughout the five-day event.
The convention explored the theme “Consecrated Persons as Prophetic Witnesses of Peace in a Wounded World.” Rev. Fr. Amador C. Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior and board member of the conference, participated in the assembly and reported strong Claretian representation.
Several members of the Claretians contributed to the program. Rev. Fr. Kevin Mark Rendor, CMF, delivered a report on behalf of the Safeguarding Commission of the conference. Rev. Fr. Mon Ebdani, CMF, attended as a representative of the Missionaries of the Rural Poor and Integrity of Creation (MRPIC), one of the mission partners of CMSP. Most Rev. Elias L. Ayuban, Jr., CMF, DD, served as a guest speaker. In his role as Chairman of the CBCP Commission on Mutual Relations, the bishop presented a talk titled “Walking Together in Mission: Challenges and Opportunities on Mutual Relations.”
The assembly dedicated a session to viewing the meta-documentary film “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo.” The following morning, Fr. Ama delivered a homily connecting the life of the martyred missionary to the core theme of the convention. He described Fr. Gallardo as a prophetic witness of peace who demonstrated deep concern for others, love for the Eucharist, and a firm commitment to the young and vulnerable. Fr. Ama reminded the religious men and women that peace requires active living in a wounded world rather than simple proclamation.
The Provincial Superior expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Larry Miranda, CMF, Vicar for Religious and member of the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. He also thanked the entire local Claretian community for providing hospitality, assistance, and support to the convention delegates.
Photo credit: CMSP – Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines
