Empowering Charismatic Groups for Evangelization: Focus of the CHARIS Convention in Philippines

CHARIS Philippines emphasizes the importance of understanding the movement of the Holy Spirit in individuals' lives to strengthen unity with Jesus’ mission within the community. 

This central theme will guide the first-ever CHARIS Convention, set to take place from October 4 to 6 at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City, Philippines.

Fef Barino, National Coordinator of CHARIS Philippines, highlighted that the convention aims to deepen the public’s awareness of the Holy Spirit’s work, fostering guidance for everyday missions within parishes and communities.

"This will be a good time for us to renew, refresh, and empower ourselves through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, making it alive in our daily lives so that wherever we go, we become missionaries in our families, in the community, especially in parishes," Barino shared during an interview with Radio Veritas Philippines.

Barino further stressed the role of charismatic groups in reviving the faith within parishes, noting that their active participation in spiritual activities helps rejuvenate the spiritual lives of many who may have drifted from the Church.

The three-day convention, also known as CHARISCon, will feature a series of talks and workshops by prominent figures, including Fr. Herbert Schneider, S.J.; Bro. Marcelino Catan; Dr. Jake Yap; Bro. Arun Gogna; Fr. Vladimir Echalas; Bro. Roy Calleja; Bro. Bobby Quitain; and Fr. Bartolome Pastor.

These speakers are also scheduled to deliver special lectures for priests serving as spiritual directors in diocesan charismatic communities.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable, and Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani, Jr. are among the notable Church leaders expected to attend the event, reflecting the significance of the convention for the Catholic community.

With around 3,000 delegates expected, CHARIS Philippines encourages the public to register through their official Facebook page or by contacting Johnlito Sollera  at 0931-023-2328 or Yolly Rapana at 0928-626-5178 for more information.

To accommodate greater participation, the registration period has been extended until the end of the month. The registration fee is P2,500, which includes a convention kit and lunch for the three-day event.