Quezon City, Philippines. The 8th Word Conference (WordCon) was celebrated on November 29, 2025, at the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Auditorium, gathering clergy, religious, scholars, seminarians, and the faithful for a day of reflection under the theme, “A Pilgrimage of Hope: Walking in God’s Word… ‘I have put my hope in your word’” (Psalm 119:81). Organized by the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province of the Claretian Missionaries, in partnership with CCFI, the Prefectures of Communications and Spirituality, and the Claret School of Quezon City, the conference emphasized hope as a transformative journey in line with the Jubilee Year 2025.
The event opened with a creative Bible Enthronement by St. Anthony Mary Claret College Seminary seminarians. Fr. Louie Guades III, CMF, Prefect of Communications and Executive Director of CCFI, welcomed participants, while Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, Vicar General and General Prefect of Bible Ministry and Communication, delivered an inspiring inaugural message alongside Fr. Carlos Sanchez Miranda, CMF, General Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life.
The conference featured three keynote presentations. Dr. Maricel S. Ibita, Associate Professor of Theology at Ateneo de Manila University, discussed “Sighs of Despair, Signs of Hope: Road Maps for and beyond Iubelaeum 2025”, offering a pastoral roadmap through the spiral method: See, Judge, Act, Evaluate, Celebrate. Dr. Agustin Martin G. Rodriguez reflected on her presentation, deepening the dialogue. Dominican priest Fr. Clarence Cuevas Marquez explored IN SPE: Reading Biblical Hope, emphasizing hope as a radical, future-oriented vocation rooted in God’s promise, with reflections from Fr. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ, linking it to the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph devotion. Fr. Anthony Q. Carreon, CMF, presented “The Resurrection as Lived Hope: Walking with Christ in a Pastoral Context”, inviting participants to experience the Resurrection as a daily journey, complemented by Sr. Marjorie J. Guingona’s online reflection.
Highlights included the debut of the WordCon theme song, “Only Say the Word”, composed by Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares. Q&A sessions were moderated by Ms. Ma. Myra Inocencio, with Ms. Mary Ann Cruz hosting.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Robert U. Laurio, Senior Marketing Manager at CCFI, who encouraged participants to embody God’s promise and nurture joyful communities. The day was sealed with the Holy Eucharist, presided by Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, uniting attendees in thanksgiving and prayer.
WordCon 2025 reinforced the enduring flame of hope, inspiring the faithful to walk continuously in God’s Word as both a pilgrimage and a promise.
Source: Louie Guades III, CMF, Prefect of Communications and Executive Director, CCFI, Province of Fr Rhoel Gallardo
