Philippine Cardinal Marks Episcopal Anniversary with Visit to Conflict-Affected Muslim Region

Rather than marking his 20th anniversary as a bishop with ceremonies or tributes, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David chose to visit a city in southern Philippines that became a symbol of conflict and resilience after a devastating armed siege.

On July 10, the final day of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Plenary Assembly, Cardinal David joined Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown on an apostolic visit to the Territorial Prelature of Marawi, located in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao, the southern island group of the Philippines. The area is home to the predominantly Muslim Maranao people and continues to recover from the 2017 siege that left parts of the city in ruins and displaced thousands of residents.

The visit coincided with the anniversary of Cardinal David’s episcopal ordination on July 10, 2006. He said he could think of “no more meaningful way” to mark two decades of episcopal ministry than by being with a Church community that continues its mission amid challenges.

One of the most significant moments of the visit took place at the ruins of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and the former episcopal residence, which were destroyed during the Marawi siege. Catholic students from Mindanao State University welcomed the delegation by singing Be Not Afraid at the site, which Cardinal David described as a moment of hope amid the destruction left by the conflict.

“It was as if the Gospel itself was being sung to us,” the cardinal said.

Cardinal David also reflected on the mission of the Territorial Prelature of Marawi, established in 1976 by Pope Paul VI and first led by Bishop Bienvenido Tudtud, MSP. He recalled that Bishop Tudtud envisioned the Church’s presence in Muslim Mindanao as one rooted in dialogue, friendship, and service rather than dominance.

The mission continues under Bishop Edwin de la Peña, MSP, who currently leads the prelature from Maria Cristina in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, after the destruction of the cathedral and residence in Marawi.

Reflecting on his episcopal journey, Cardinal David said the visit reminded him of the responsibility of a bishop to remain close to people, especially during difficult times.

“On this twentieth anniversary of my episcopal ordination, I can think of no better reminder of what it means to be a bishop: to remain with one’s people, especially in times of trial, and never to lose hope that the Lord can heal wounds, restore trust, and make peace possible,” he said.

Marawi continues rehabilitation efforts following the 2017 conflict. Cardinal David called on the faithful to pray for the Church in Marawi, its clergy and people, as well as for the Muslim community and lasting peace, healing, and reconciliation in Mindanao.

Marawi became internationally known after the 2017 siege, when militants linked to the Islamic State group occupied parts of the city, leading to five months of fighting between the militants and Philippine government forces. The conflict caused widespread destruction, including the damage of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, and displaced thousands of residents. The continuing rehabilitation of Marawi has also become a symbol of efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and rebuilding among Muslim and Christian communities in Mindanao.