International Conference on Theology of Priesthood held in Manila

Two Catholic institutes of higher learning—the Dominican-run University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Ateneo de Manila University—held the International Conference on the Theology of the Priesthood on February 13–14, 2024.

The event took place at the University of Santo Tomas's Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.

Various speakers reiterated that the priesthood is always at the service of the community for the glory of God and the good of all.

Promotion to the priestly vocation is everybody’s work, speakers said.

On the first day (February 13), Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery of Bishops, delivered his keynote address entitled, “What is the Future for Priesthood?”.

Despite social, religious, and cultural changes over time in the world, the essence of priesthood remains the same—to serve God and people, the cardinal said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Clarence M. Batan of the UST Department of Sociology talked about the “contemporary sociological understanding of Young Filipino Catholics.”

Dominican Fr Rodel E. Aligan, former Dean of the UST Faculty of Sacred Theology, talked about the “Vocation and Formation of Priests in the Philippines.”

Vocations to priesthood in the Philippines, like in many parts of the world, are decreasing. All need to encourage, motivate, and inspire young people to join seminaries, Fr Aligan said.

Jesuit Fr Jordan Orbe, Executive Director of the Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation, discussed the “importance of mental health and stress management for priests.”

When priests enjoy physical, spiritual, and mental health, they tend to serve God and the community with compassion and commitment, said Fr. Orbe.

Lastly, Master of the Order of Preachers, Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III shared his reflections on “Integrity in Ministry.”

On the second day, UST Secretary-General Dominican Fr. Louie R. Coronel, synthesized Day 1’s plenary sessions.

Father Philippe Capelle Dumont delivered the keynote address: “Here I am! Theology of the Call, Anthropological Challenges, and Pastoral Vocations.”

Meanwhile, Scalabrini Fr. Fabio Baggio, of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, shared the “Role of Priests in Ministering to Migrants.”

Then, Loyola School of Theology’s Sr. Ma. Anicia Co, a member of the Religious Order of the Virgin Mary, lectured on “Women’s Contributions to the Priesthood.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, spoke on the “Priestly Ministry on Social Media and the New Evangelization.”

Lastly, Dr. Carmen Valdes, also of the Loyola School of Theology, shared the “Role of Priests in Ecological Stewardship.”