Cagayan de Oro City – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is set to host its 128th plenary assembly in Cagayan de Oro City, marking the first time the event will be held in Mindanao.
According to Philippines News Agency, the assembly will take place from July 6 to 8 at the Chali Conference Center, drawing over 80 bishops to discuss key positions and future initiatives for the Church. The agenda includes the election of chairpersons for various commissions, such as the Commission on Catholic Education and the Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints. Discussions will also cover the upcoming Jubilee 2025 celebrations in the Philippines.
Msgr. Pantin emphasized the importance of prayer for the bishops as they deliberate on significant church matters. The meeting will begin with a private session led by CBCP President Bishop Pablo Virgilio David. The assembly will see the participation of 83 active bishops, five priest administrators, and 39 honorary retired bishops.
In preparation for the plenary, attendees will engage in a retreat themed “Synod spirituality: Embracing ecology in the light of Laudato Sí and Laudate Drum” at the Abbey of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The retreat will feature talks by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, and noted theologians Fr. Reynaldo Raluto and Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario.
The CBCP convenes bi-annually, with this session being particularly notable for its historic location and significant elections.