The International Conference on the Theology of the Priesthood took place in Manila from 3 to 14 February at the University of Santo Tomas’ Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building in Sampaloc. This conference was a joint effort between the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Ateneo de Manila University. As a result, a significant number of students from both UST and the Loyola School of Theology–Ateneo de Manila University, particularly those pursuing STB, STL, and STD degrees, as well as some MA and non-degree students, attended the event.
His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery of Bishops, delivered his keynote address entitled, “What is the Future for Priesthood?” on the first day of the conference. His presentation examined the various dimensions of priestly vocation and formation in the Philippines by drawing on a deep understanding of the Filipino cultural context and the unique challenges faced by the Church. He also addressed the challenges faced by priests in the Philippines. He explored how the formation process equips priests to respond to these challenges with competence, compassion, and commitment.
One of the exciting topics was “Importance of Mental Health and Stress Management for Priests,” delivered by Fr Jordan Orbe SJ, the Executive Director of the Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation. Fr Orbe highlighted the importance of care for the clergy, especially in addressing stress, burnout, and well-being among priests. Religious and diocesan clergy face many difficulties today. Priests manage many responsibilities while frequently going above and beyond their comfort zones, which can cause unfavourable stress and even burnout.
Fr Orbe emphasised the vital link between a priest’s health and his capacity to carry out his ministry effectively, as well as the overall well-being of the clergy community. Using a framework, he discussed the reasons why priests experience burnout and the consequent impact on their ministry and personal lives. He offered practical strategies to support priests’ well-being by integrating insights from psychology and spirituality.
The sessions on the second day included a synthesis of the previous day by UST Secretary-General Fr Louie R Coronel OP EHL, followed by Fr Philippe Capelle Dumont’s keynote address titled “Here I am! Theology of the Call, Anthropological and Pastoral Challenges of Vocations”. Sr Ma Anicia Co RVM of the Loyola School of Theology also presented on “Women’s Contributions to the Priesthood”.
The highlight of the second day was His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal G Tagle’s lecture on the “Priestly Ministry on Social Media and the New Evangelization.” He raised the transformative potential of social media for extending the reach and impact of the priestly ministry. He presented opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations in using social media as a tool for spreading the Gospel and encouraging a more profound spiritual encounter with Christ in the digital sphere, particularly in the context of the new evangelization.
Cardinal Tagle examined how interactive engagement, multimedia content, and digital storytelling can attract and motivate online audiences. He elaborated on how priests can use social media to demonstrate their faith and promote community, conversation, and spiritual development.
Cardinal Tagle also addressed the significance of preserving an authentic, charitable, and respectful online identity that is cautious and prudent. To ensure that the priestly presence on social media aligns with Church teachings and traditions, he underscored the necessity of continual formation and discernment in navigating the digital space.
During the break between sessions, several LST students had the opportunity to visit the main campus, accompanied by some UST students. We enjoyed a brief tour inside the compound, which included a visit to the UST Museum located in the main building. For us LST students, this was a rare chance to explore the campus, as we had not previously had the opportunity to visit it except during this conference.
Septian Marhenanto SJ from Indonesia is a third-year theology student at the Loyola School of Theology in Manila.