The Philippine Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites has announced plans to host the second Congress on Prayer at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on April 9, 2025.
This event, themed “Confidence in Love,” will commemorate the first centenary of the canonization of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face.
St. Thérèse, widely revered as the patroness of missions, was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925, following her beatification in 1923. Her canonization centenary is part of a three-year global celebration spanning from 2023 to 2025, marking various anniversaries related to the saint.
This congress follows the first such event, held on March 15, 2015, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. That congress celebrated the 500th birth anniversary of St. Teresa of Avila, another significant Carmelite figure and the first woman to be declared a Doctor of the Church.
The upcoming congress aims to attract a broad audience, continuing the tradition of the first congress, which saw attendance by over 7,000 faithful.
The theme “Confidence in Love” is inspired by St. Thérèse’s own words, as echoed by Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation “C’est la confiance,” issued on October 15, 2023.
In it, the Pope highlighted the foundational role of confidence in Christian spirituality, quoting St. Thérèse: “It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love.”
The congress will also promote Teresian Carmelite spirituality and the Carmelite vocation, not only for the friars and nuns but also for the secular members of the order.
The event coincides with the 150th birth anniversary of St. Thérèse, recognized posthumously by both the Catholic Church and international organizations like UNESCO for her universal appeal and the impact of her spiritual and cultural contributions.
Organized by the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites—Philippine Province of St. Teresa of Jesus, the Congress on Prayer II is part of a broader effort to highlight the role of women in religion and their contributions to society at large.
Preparations for the event are set to begin with an official launch on October 1, 2024, aligning with the feast day of St. Thérèse.
