Quezon City, Philippines. The Claretian Missionaries successfully organised the 3rd Conference on Mary on May 9, 2026, at the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Hall of Claret School of Quezon City. Led by Fr. Louie Guades III, CMF, Executive Director of Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. (CCFI) and Prefect of Communications, the conference gathered religious and lay participants, both onsite and online, to reflect on Mary’s role in mission and hope during the Jubilee Year.
Carrying the theme, “Mission: Mary, Mother of Mission, Bearing Christ into the Jubilee Hope (Luke 1:38),” the conference opened with a message from Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province. He encouraged participants to deepen their Marian spirituality and missionary commitment in the light of Christian hope.
The conference featured three keynote reflections centred on Mary’s role in the life and mission of the Church.
Fr. Salvador Agualada Jr., CMF, discussed the four Marian Dogmas as foundations of Christian hope. He explained that the Marian privileges reveal God’s saving plan for humanity and emphasised that Mary’s title as Mother of God is the central dogma that gives meaning to the others, offering believers a “confident and certain” hope in God’s promise.
Bro. Marwil N. Llasos reflected on the Visitation narrative in Luke 1:39-45, presenting Mary as the “first missionary.” He highlighted Mary’s immediate response to God’s call as she journeyed “with urgency” to Elizabeth to bring Christ and share the joy of salvation.
Bishop Oscar Jaime L. Florencio, DD, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, reflected on Mary at Pentecost through Acts 1:14 and 2:1-4. He emphasised Mary’s presence among the disciples in prayer and communion, underscoring the importance of contemplation and waiting upon the Holy Spirit before engaging in missionary activity.
Mr. Leo-Martin Ocampo, OP, served as synthesiser of the conference, drawing together the theological and missionary insights shared throughout the sessions. Participants were reminded that transformation begins in prayer and contemplation, following Mary’s example as Mother of Mission, who bears Christ to the world as the source of enduring hope.
The conference concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Bishop Florencio, affirming the Claretian commitment to promoting Marian devotion in response to the missionary challenges of today.
Source: Provincial Secretary, Province of Fr Rhoel Gallardo
