A Pilgrimage of Hope: Walking in God’s Word
The Word Conference (WordCon), now in its 8th year, was held on November 29, 2025, at the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Auditorium, Quezon City, Philippines. Organized by the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province of the Claretian Missionaries in the Philippines, in partnership with the Prefecture of Communications, the Prefecture of Spirituality and Community Life, the Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. (CCFI), and the Claret School of Quezon City, the gathering once again brought together clergy, religious, scholars, seminarians, and the faithful for a day of reflection and sharing.
This year’s theme, “A Pilgrimage of Hope: Walking in God’s Word… ‘I have put my hope in your word.'” (Psalm 119:81), resonates deeply with the Jubilee Year 2025 proclaimed by the late Pope Francis. His call to be “Pilgrims of Hope” framed the conference’s mission: to journey together in Scripture, prayer, and theological reflection, discovering hope as a transformative reality in daily life.
Opening Moments
The conference began with a creative Bible Enthronement led by seminarians from the St. Anthony Mary Claret College Seminary.
Fr. Louie Guades III, Prefect of Communications and Executive Director of CCFI, welcomed participants with his opening remarks.
For the first time, Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, Vicar General and General Prefect of Bible Ministry and Communication, graced the event with an inspiring message. He was joined by Fr. Carlos Sanchez Miranda, CMF, General Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life.
Key Reflections and Talks
The first talk, Sighs of Despair, Signs of Hope: Road Maps for and beyond Iubelaeum 2025, was presented by Dr. Maricel S. Ibita, an Associate Professor at the Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University. She offered a pastoral roadmap using the spiral method—See, Judge, Act, Evaluate, Celebrate—to discern hope. Dr. Agustin Martin G. Rodriguez, a distinguished philosophy professor at Ateneo de Manila University, shared his reflections on the presentation.
The second speaker, Fr. Clarence Cuevas Marquez, OP, a Dominican priest and biblical scholar, focused his presentation on IN SPE: Reading Biblical Hope. He reinterpreted hope as a radical, future-oriented vocation. Drawing from Scripture, Thomistic thought, and contemporary voices, it affirms hope as a courageous solidarity with suffering and a refusal of closure, rooted in God’s promise. Fr. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ, a priest of the Oblates of St. Joseph, shared his beautiful reflection on the presentation, connecting it to the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph Devotion.
The third speaker, Fr. Anthony Q. Carreon, CMF, parish priest of San Antonio Maria Claret Parish, presented a talk titled “The Resurrection as Lived Hope: Walking with Christ in a Pastoral Context.” He invited participants to rediscover the Resurrection not merely as doctrine but as a daily walk with Christ. Sr. Marjorie J. Guingona, joining online from Pagadian City, offered her heartfelt reflection.
Special Highlights
The highlight of the conference was the launch of the Word Conference theme song, “Only Say the Word”, composed by Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares.
The Q&A sessions (Sala) were moderated by Ms Ma. Myra Inocencio and Ms Mary Ann Cruz hosted the event.
Closing and Celebration
The day concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Robert U. Laurio, Senior Marketing Manager at CCFI, who urged participants to live as witnesses of God’s promise, bearers of compassion, and builders of joyful communities.
Finally, the Holy Eucharist, presided by Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, sealed the conference with thanksgiving and prayer.
WordCon 2025 stood as a powerful witness to the enduring flame of hope, reminding the faithful that walking in God’s Word is both a pilgrimage and a promise.
