With nearly 2,500 attendees, the CHARIS Convention 2024 in Cebu City surpassed expectations, marking a significant success for the event organizers.
Fe Barino, CHARIS Philippines Coordinator, shared this positive assessment on Day 1 of the three-day convention, which featured a dynamic lineup of top conference speakers, charismatic movement leaders, and spiritual directors from various dioceses across the Philippines. The event saw participation from 50 priests, along with lay delegates from different dioceses nationwide.
Held under the theme “One CHARIS, One Mission,” the convention was organized by the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cebu Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ACCCRS).
BCBP member Joffe Almoro expressed his admiration for the "energetic" response from participants, reflecting the high level of enthusiasm and engagement throughout the event.
Day 1 Highlights: The Charismatic Identity. The convention opened with a keynote address by Fr. Herbert Schneider, SJ, who spoke on “The Charismatic Identity.”
Drawing on over 50 years of experience ministering to charismatic communities, Fr. Schneider outlined the unique spiritual characteristics of those baptized in the Holy Spirit. His insights, rooted in his work as an emeritus professor of Biblical Theology, positioned him as a leading voice in the charismatic renewal movement in the Philippines.
Other speakers on the opening day included Marcelino Catan, Dr. Jake Yap, and Arun Gogna, who all emphasized the core theme of charismatic identity.
The day concluded with a Mass celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, during which diocesan spiritual directors and lay coordinators were commissioned. Bishop Guillermo Afable of the Diocese of Digos co-celebrated the Mass alongside Rev. Fr. Bartolome Pastor.
Day 2: Charismatic Spirituality. The second day centered on the theme of “Charismatic Spirituality,” with Fr. Bartolome Pastor, CHARIS Philippines National Spiritual Director, leading the day’s reflections. Fr. Vladimir Echalas, Mariano Roy Calleja, and Atty. Roberto Quitain followed with presentations that deepened the understanding of this spirituality, offering a fresh perspective on how the Holy Spirit transforms individuals and communities.
Day 3: Charismatic Mission. The final day wrapped up with a focus on the Charismatic Mission, as Fr. Edwin Semblante of PACEM Missionaries reminded participants that the mission is not optional but a divine call to action.
Citing the Church Fathers, papal encouragements, and Scriptures, Fr. Semblante emphasized the urgency of living out this mission. Lay leader Alejandro Aguspina reinforced this message with his talk, “Go In the Power of the Holy Spirit.”
The event’s eclectic mix of speakers from the church, academe, business, and social media impressed participants, many of whom requested copies of the presentations to bring back to their local communities.
Testimonies of Spiritual Renewal Fr. Rendrix Rabago of the Diocese of Alaminos in Pangasinan shared his unexpected experience at the convention. Initially attending to gain new insights, he admitted to RVA that the event “renewed his priesthood and ministry.”
Fr. Rabago mentioned that while the clergy in his diocese had undergone baptism in the Holy Spirit, many had become inactive over time. Inspired by the convention, he announced plans for a two-day reawakening seminar in November, with Fr. Bart Pastor as the main speaker and spiritual guide.
Lay leader Ricardo Rivera of the Diocese of Cubao in Quezon City also praised the event, saying, “The Holy Spirit is alive.” He noted that the charismatic renewal movement is evolving into a greater service to the nation and all people.
Fe Barino reflected on the overall success of the convention, stating that the true measure of its impact lies in the testimonies and spiritual experiences of both attendees and those who served during the event.
The convention concluded with a Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of the Diocese of Novaliches.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
