LEGAZPI City, Albay, Nov. 27, 2014 — Hundreds of lay people, religious, and clergy will convene at the Bicol Congress of Laity to culminate the Year of the Laity on Nov. 28 to 29 at the St. Agnes Academy Gymnasium.
Aside from paving the way for the Year of the Poor, the gathering will seek to “sustain the gains of greater lay participation in the life of the Church and the transformation of society,” Legazpi Bishop Joel Z. Baylon said in a circular.
He called on parishes, communities, and laypeople to celebrate Triduum Masses from Nov. 25 to 27 for the success of the congress.
Keynote speakers include Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI and Camarines Sur 3rd congressional district Rep. Maria Leonora “Leni” Robredo.
“They will speak on the theme ‘Called to be Saints, Sent forth as Heroes,’” Baylon said.
According to the prelate, discussions will include sharing of significant experiences. Best pastoral practices of lay participation will be identified, in line with evangelization and social transformation.
The Church sees the Bicol Congress of the Laity as a historic event, Baylon added.
One hundred lay people and 40 clergy members and religious from each diocese in the region are anticipated to convene the congress, Baylon said.
Dioceses in the Bicol region include Masbate (island province), Sorsogon, Libmanan, Caceres (Archdiocese), Legazpi, Virac (island province), and Daet. (Oliver Samson/CBCPNews)