Laiko convention to reflect on laity’s potential to change society

LAY leaders nationwide are set to gather in a three-day convention in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga to reflect together on their potential to bring about change to oneself and society.

With the theme “The Laity: Changing Self and Society with Jesus and Mary”, the three-day event will be a combined assembly of the 16th National Biennial Convention of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas and Laiko Regional Gathering in Luzon.

Running from October 16 to 18, the national assembly is hosted by the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga and will be held at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando City.

The convention opens in the afternoon of Oct. 16 with a procession of the image of Virgen de los Remedios and Santo Cristo del Perdon from the Archbishop’s House to the University of the Assumption Gym.

Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David will lead the opening concelebrated Mass at the university gym.

Keynote speaker will be Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ who will talk on “The Laity: Changing Self and Society with Jesus and Mary.”

Included among other activities and workshops during the convention is the presentation of the Laiko National Team to the delegates of the “Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas and its Programs.”

Other celebrants and homilists during the convention are Auxiliary Bishop Roberto Mallari who will lead the Mass on the second day and Archbishop Paciano Aniceto on the third day. Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Laity (ECLA) and Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes will deliver his message to delegates at the closing mass.

Aside from reflecting on the importance of lay vocation under the guidance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, the convention also aims to make Laiko known to Luzon, hence the choice of venue; to learn from the pastoral realities, challenges and lay involvement of the local Church, and to promote an effective working relationships among Arch/diocesan councils and local and national lay organizations.

The convention will also elect a new set of leaders that would compose the Board of Trustees for the year 2010-2011.

Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas is the implementing arm of the Episcopal Commission for the Laity of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in promoting nationwide initiatives and coordinating national programs of the laity. It is made up of Arch/diocesan Councils of the Laity, National Lay Organizations, National Movements and Church-oriented groups.