Papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown on Tuesday praised the Church in Mindanao for its missionary work and urged Catholics to renew their commitment to evangelization.
Speaking during Mass at the 18th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) in Iligan City, he said evangelization must always be understood as a lifegiving work that brings God’s grace to those most in need.
“It’s so important to bring the life of God, especially to the far-flung places, to the poorest areas, to the most overlooked people, to give them that beautiful gift of life,” Brown said in his homily.
The papal envoy commended Mindanao’s ongoing missionary efforts, calling the region a living witness to the Church’s vitality despite challenges.
“Your work of evangelization here in Mindanao is so important and so beautiful,” Brown said. “May the Lord, the giver of life, inspire you, lead you, and protect you.”
He also emphasized that evangelization is not merely about teaching faith but about sharing “supernatural life” — God’s grace that brings spiritual renewal and hope.
“In our evangelization, what are we doing? We’re bringing life to people — and I say that very literally, not symbolically. We’re bringing them supernatural life,” Brown said in his homily. “The work of the Church is to bring that life to the world.”
Reflecting on the conference theme, “Pilgrims of Hope Towards Synodal Conversion in the Path of the New Evangelization,” he linked it to the feast of San Pedro Calungsod.
The papal envoy said the young Filipino catechist and martyr remains a model of missionary courage, reminding Catholics that sharing the Gospel means leading others into “the life of God.”
“Biological life will end in all of us,” Brown said. “But if we’re baptized, if we receive the Eucharist, what St. Ignatius of Antioch calls the medicine of immortality, the Eucharist, the antidote against death, another life is in us.”
Bishop Jose Rapadas of Iligan said the conference represents both a moment of grace and a renewal of hope for the local Church.
“Preparing for this conference has been an exercise of hope for all of us in Iligan,” he said in his welcome address to MSPC participants on Monday.
“If we have vibrant Basic Ecclesial Communities today, it’s because of the MSPC. If we experience active participation in our ministries, it’s due to the lay empowerment thrust of MSPC,” he said.
The prelate said the spirit of synodality that feels natural to the Church in Mindanao traces its roots to the MSPC’s early efforts to foster communion and shared mission.
“So, needless to say, it’s a great honor to host the MSPC,” Rapadas added.
Hosted for the first time by the Iligan diocese, the 18th MSPC opened on Oct. 20, bringing together bishops, priests, religious, lay leaders, and catechists from across the island region.
The 22 ecclesiastical jurisdictions of Mindanao and Sulu are gathering until Oct. 24 to share experiences, reflect on pastoral challenges, and chart new theological and pastoral directions for the next triennium.
Rooted in the post-Second Vatican Council renewal, the MSPC began in 1971 in Davao City as an effort to strengthen communion, participation, and mission within the Church in Mindanao.
