Vatican official to speak at conference celebrating 50 years of Pacem in Terris

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Photo: CNA)

A VATICAN official will lead a roster of high profile speakers in a national conference organized by the Association of Catholic Universities to celebrate the 50^th year of the encyclical Pacem in Terris.

The Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) is holding a national conference at the University of the Immaculate Conception (Bajada Campus) in Davao City to pray tribute to the celebrated encyclical of Pope John XXIII, from January 9 to 11.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace will keynote the conference with an address on “The Formation of New Catholics in Politics”.

Cotabato Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI leads a panel of speakers on the first day with a discussion on “The Struggles of Catholic Universities in Developing Leaders for Peace and Progress in the Philippines.”

Also in the panel are Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, president of the Ateneo de Davao University, Sister Corazon Manalo, D.C., Superintendent of the Daughters of Charity Schools, and Cong. Karlo Alexis B. Nograles of the 1st district of Davao City.

Multi-awarded and highly respected ABS-CBN news anchor Tina Monzon-Palma will moderate the discussion.

Also on the same day, Mr. Leon G. Flores III, chair and chief executive officer of the National Youth Commission, will give a talk on “The Filipino Youth in Politics: A Commitment to Leadership for Peace and Progress”.

A Eucharistic celebration will cap the first day to be presided by Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles.

On the second day, presenters will explore on the topic “Engagement of Catholic Universities: A Milieu for the Inculcation of Values Leading to Social Transformation”.

A collaborative research paper among the University of Santo Tomas, La Consolacion University, St. Louis University, and Angeles University Foundation will be presented discussing “The Pastoral Care of Overseas Filipinos and their Families by Catholic Universities: A Case Study”.

Br. Ricardo P. Laguda, FSC, president of De La Salle University- Manila will present a research on “The Impact of Community Development Programs of Catholic Universities”.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D., National Chairman of NASSA/Caritas Philippines will discuss “The Engagement of the Catholic Church in Values Formation and Social Transformation”.

Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr. OMI, former director and senior policy adviser of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance of Notre Dame University will talk on “Peace : Our Hope and Responsibility in Mindanao”.

Themed “The Formation of New Catholics Engaged in Politics: the Challenge and Inspiration of Catholic Universities”, the conference will also include a group sharing on its theme.

Participants may avail of a half day tour of Davao City on January 11. Registration fee is at Php 1,500.00, inclusive of kits and meals. Inquiries may be addressed to the ACUP Secretariat through the UST Office of Public Affairs, through 731-3544 or email gvf@mnl.ust.edu.ph