THE province of Bohol is set to host the 130th Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Plenary Assembly set later this week with nearly all of the Filipino bishops and archbishops expected to attend.
Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, said among the topics expected to be tackled in the plenary assembly is the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“It is not expected to be a major item (in the agenda) especially since it is a very political issue. However, I believe it will be an issue to be raised as it concerns not only the Church but it concerns the whole country,” he said.
“Even some of our bishops have already voiced out their opinions and sentiments about the impeachment,” he added.
Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy, in a radio interview, said the Diocese of Tagbilaran and Diocese of Talibon are set to host the biannual gathering of the members of the CBCP.
“This is truly a moment of grace and a source of great honor for our province. Let us pray that this gathering of shepherds may bring about positive changes,” said Uy.
He said the annual retreat for the bishops will be held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol from June 30 to July 4.
On the other hand, the plenary assembly will happen in Anda, Bohol from July 5 to 7.
“The event will commence with the celebration of the Holy Mass at the Shrine of the Our Lady of Assumption in Dauis, Bohol,” bared Uy.
The CBCP Plenary Assembly, which convenes only twice a year, specifically in January and in July, gives the prelates the chance to unite, pray, and address pressing matters that impact the Church and the communities they serve.
The CBCP currently has 126 members, including 87 active bishops, 38 honorary or retired bishops, and three diocesan priest-administrators.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action Justice and Peace, said also part of the plenary agenda is the Synod on Synodality report which is a global initiative of the Catholic Church aimed at fostering a more participatory and missionary Church.
Bagaforo also said the gathering is expected to be attended by the synodal teams of all dioceses and archdioceses and tackle inputs and feedbacks on issues of Church governance.
“All synodal teams from all over the Philippines, in every dioceses or sub-regions, have been invited to this event,” he said.
“In the spirit of a retreat, we shall discuss the results of the Synod and on how we will implement them in the Church,” added Bagaforo.
