Manila, Philippines – Cardinal Jose Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila, emphasized the need for the Church to remain dynamic and mission-driven, warning against stagnation or merely going in circles.
Speaking at a Mass on February 10 to inaugurate the pastoral planning session at the Arzobispado de Manila in Intramuros, Advincula urged clergy and faithful alike to push forward with a clear vision.
“Let us not be satisfied until we have reached the peripheries of our parishes and ecclesial communities. Let us move from maintenance to mission. Let us do this together,” he said.
The three-day gathering, attended by numerous clergy members, focused on evaluating the state of the archdiocese and discussing future plans, aspirations, and projects.
Advincula reminded the clergy that key principles from their 2022 retreat—co-responsibility, the option for the poor, and inter-ministeriality—should continue to shape their ministry.
“These keywords should not stay in the retreat or in 2022. They should animate us and serve as our starting point for further reflection and action,” he added.
During the event, the archdiocese also announced the appointment of new curial officials, including the reappointment of Fr. Reginald Malicdem as vicar general.
Advincula, 72, has been leading the Archdiocese of Manila since 2021. The archdiocese oversees parishes in Manila, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, and San Juan.
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 