MANILA (LiCAS News): 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.
This event, themed “Confidence in Love,” will commemorate the first centenary of the canonisation 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 canonised by Pope Pius XI on 17 May 1925, following her beatification in 1923. The centenary is part of a three-year global celebration from 2023 to 2025, marking various anniversaries related to the saint.
This congress follows the first event, held on 15 March 2015, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City which celebrated birth anniversary of St. Teresa of Avila.
The upcoming congress aims to attract a broad audience, continuing the tradition of the first, 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 [it is confidence], issued on 15 October 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, recognised posthumously by both the Catholic Church and international organizations like UNESCO for her universal appeal and the impact of her spiritual and cultural contributions.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
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, aligning with the feast day of St. Thérèse.
