Quezon City, Philippines. In a world increasingly transformed by the rapid evolution of technology, the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) successfully celebrated its annual Religious Life Week 2026 from January 16 to 18. Hosted at the Fr. Domingo M. Moraleda Hall in Quezon City, the three-day gathering brought together religious, formators, and scholars to reflect on the theme “Mystical Intelligence in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Consecrated Life in Asia Today.”
The conference served as a prophetic space for consecrated persons to explore how to reclaim the sacred and maintain a discerning heart amidst a landscape driven by data and digital reasoning.
The week opened with a profound exploration of the “Wisdom of the Soul,” led by Fr. Jose V. C. Quilongquilong, SJ. In his reflection, he emphasized that this ancient wisdom – expressed through awareness, assessment, and assimilation – is vital for guiding the mission of consecrated life today. He challenged participants to dive into the depths of spiritual wisdom to see how the soul responds in an era of digital reasoning.
On the second day, Fr. Samuel H. Canilang, CMF, turned the assembly’s attention inward with his talk, “The Thoughts of the Heart”. Fr. Canilang reflected on:
- The symbolism of the heart as the home of the Nous.
- The necessity of healing and brokenness as a path to compassion.
- The heart’s role in responding to the poor, the earth, and the call to synodality.
His reflection called for cultivating a listening heart that remains attentive to God’s Spirit amid the technological shifts of the modern world.
The final day introduced the emerging concept of “Mystical Intelligence,” presented by Fr. Robert B. Manansala, OFM. Fr. Manansala unpacked this transformative way of “seeing, loving, and acting” that artificial intelligence can never replicate. Drawing from the lives of two great mystics—Thomas Merton and St. John of the Cross—he provided digital guidelines to help religious navigate the “technocratic paradigm” with wisdom and authentic union with God.
The event culminated in a solemn Concluding Mass presided over by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Charles J. Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. In his closing remarks, the Nuncio underscored the importance of remaining rooted in contemplation and discernment.
As Religious Life Week 2026 ended, participants were encouraged to return to their respective missions with a renewed commitment to living with depth and faithfulness. The conference highlighted that while AI offers new opportunities, it is Mystical Intelligence, rooted in prayer and the “thoughts of the heart”, that will ultimately guide consecrated life into the future.
