The joint national convention of the World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) and Youth Apostolate of Fatima (YAF) Philippines opened on May 19 in Cebu, the Philippines.
The Archdiocese of Cebu is hosting it, and the event will end on Sunday, May 21.
Over 300 delegates from the different dioceses and one archdiocese (Cebu) in the Philippines are present—11 from Luzon, eight from Visayas, and four from Mindanao.
The conference's theme is "The Role of the WAF and YAF in Synodality, The Life and Mission of the Church."
The three-day convention "aims to rekindle everyone's commitment to the Apostolate, to gather in Eucharistic celebrations and prayers, to be enriched by inspiring talks, and to take part in the pilgrimage to the Capelinha Replica," said an organizer.
The first day officially commenced with the praying of the Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries) led by Luzon delegates.
The Sandiego dancers then performed a welcome presentation after it.
"The culture of encounter always begins with a listening encounter. If you want to be heard, you must also learn to listen," said Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben C. Labajo in his talk about "Understanding Synodality in the Philippine Context" on May 19.
"From our woundedness, we learn to listen and share and become companions that walk together. And then we walk forward together as a "Synodal Church," that is, a church that listens," he added.
Bishop Guillermo Afable, WAF Philippines National Spiritual Director, celebrated the day’s Mass.
On October 7, 2005, the Holy See formed the WAF, a public, international society of Catholics with Pontifical Rights.
Millions of Catholics worldwide participate in this movement, resulting from Our Lady's 1917 requests to the three Fatima children.
YAF is the official youth organization of the World Apostolate of Fatima of the Philippines.
Other speakers and Mass presiders are Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu, Bishop Guillermo Afable of Digos and WAF Philippines National Spiritual Director, Bishop Bartolome Santos of Iba, Auxiliary Bishop Midiphyl Billones of Cebu, Fr. Andrei Ventanilla, chairman, Archdiocese of Cebu Commission in Youth, and Bro. Reynald Andales, WAF International Vice President.
The last convention was held in Tagum, Davao del Norte, Philippines, in 2019.
As the WAF and YAF national conventions commence, Aaliah Mikaela Ty, one of the YAF delegates from Imus, expressed what she looks forward to in this event.
She shared how keen she is to know how Synodality could flourish amidst all the chaos in this world.
"We are all aware that the repercussions of the pandemic have left us still reeling; it was a trying time for us all. I am looking forward to seeing how this convention will bring us nearer to God and one another," she added. – Santosh Digal
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