The Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines held the latest phase of its Provincial Parish Pastoral Assembly from February 18-20 at the Inter-Franciscan Spirituality Center, Bag-ong Tudela, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur. This gathering brought together friars in parish ministry and lay collaborators to deepen their commitment to synodality, fraternity, and responsible stewardship in parish pastoral work.
Building on previous phases, this assembly provided a space for reflection and concrete planning, focusing on the evolving challenges and opportunities in parish ministry. The event opened with a talk by Br. Elton Viagedor, OFM, on Synodal Mission: Synodality and Its Implication to Parish Pastoral Ministry. He underscored the Church’s call to journey together, fostering a culture of listening, shared responsibility, and co-responsibility in mission.
On the second day, Br. Jovito Malinao, OFM, presented the OFM document “Sent to Evangelize in Fraternity and Minority in the Parish”, highlighting the Franciscan call to serve with humility, simplicity, and fraternity. This was followed by a session with Minister Provincial Br. Renee C. Dean, OFM, on Financial Transparency and Stewardship of Resources, stressing the need for accountability and the responsible management of parish funds and resources.
Participants then engaged in a workshop, exploring practical ways to integrate these principles into their respective parishes. The assembly concluded with the presentation of a final statement, outlining a roadmap for the future of Franciscan parish ministry. This document will guide efforts to ensure that Franciscan parishes continue fostering synodality, collaboration, and responsible leadership.
This phase of the Provincial Parish Pastoral Assembly marks a significant step in strengthening the Franciscan approach to parish ministry, reaffirming a commitment to a Church that listens, serves, and walks together in faith.
Br. Mark Joy G. Basallajes, OFM
