The 3RD CONFERENCE ON MARY is initiated by the Prefecture of Communications, headed by Fr. Louie Guades III, CMF and the Prefecture of Spirituality and Community Life, headed by Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF of the Claretian Missionaries in the Philippines – Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province through Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with Claret School of QC.
Now on its third edition, the Conference on Mary draws its inspiration from the documents of the XVI Provincial Chapter of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province, which challenges the Province to be Synodal, Rooted in Christ and Audacious in Mission. Inspired by the three processes of transformation initiated by the XXV General Chapter of the Claretian Missionaries, which beautifully correspond to the Synod’s core themes: Communion, Mission, and Participation.
The theme of the Conference highlights the first core, which is MISSION: Mary, Mother of Mission, Bearing Christ into the Jubilee Hope. (LUKE 1:38) The theme highlights Mary’s unique role as both Mother of God and Mother of the Church, whose life and witness illuminate the Church’s call to proclaim Christ in this Jubilee of Hope. From her fiat (Luke 1:38) at the Annunciation to her steadfast presence at Pentecost (Acts 1:14), Mary embodies the missionary spirit—carrying Christ into the world with faith, courage, and joy.
The program started with an invocation led by the Missionary Sisters of St. Anthony Mary Claret, 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 three talks converge to illuminate Mary as the Mother of Mission, whose life embodies the fullness of Christian hope and the call to bear Christ into the world. The first talk on The Four Marian Dogmas: Revealing the fullness of Christian hope by Rev. Fr. Salvador Agualada, Jr., CMF reveals Mary’s unique role in salvation history: as Mother of God, she bears Christ, the hope of nations; in her Perpetual Virginity, she models total dedication to God’s mission; through the Immaculate Conception, she manifests the dawn of redemption; and in her Assumption, she unveils humanity’s destiny in eternal communion with God. These dogmas are not abstract doctrines but living signs of hope, inspiring the Church to embrace its mission with confidence, mercy, and joy.
The second talk on The Visitation as Mission of Hope (Luke 1:39–45): Mary carries Christ to Elizabeth, bringing joy and hope by Atty. Marwil Llasos, OP highlights Mary’s missionary outreach as she carries Christ to Elizabeth, bringing joy, renewal, and hope. This encounter shows that mission begins in simple acts of presence, service, and solidarity. Mary becomes the first bearer of the Good News, reminding the Synodal Church that authentic mission is rooted in encounter and shared faith, not in grand gestures but in everyday witness.
The third talk on Mary at Pentecost: Mission of Hope for the World (Acts 1:14; 2:1-4) by His Most Rev. Oscar Jaime Florencio, DD, situates her at the heart of the Church’s birth, where she prays with the apostles and receives the Spirit, nurturing the missionary identity of the Church. From Annunciation to Pentecost, Mary’s journey demonstrates that mission is lifelong: maternal, merciful, inclusive, and Spirit-driven. Her presence at Pentecost affirms that the Church’s mission of hope must be rooted in prayer and empowered by the Spirit to proclaim Christ to the world.
After each session, the participants were divided into breakout groups for group sharing, which was followed by Q&A in the plenary.
Mr. Leo-Martin Ocampo, OP prepared the synthesis and shared his reflections, highlighting key essential points of the three presentations. Rev. Fr. Dennis Tamayo, CMF, Parish Priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, shared his insights about the conference and wrapped up the gathering and delivered the closing remarks. The Conference on Mary concluded with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Ms. Mary Ann Cruz moderated the breakout sessions and the Q&A Forum. Mr. Mark Valle de Guzman hosted the event.
