Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted the 4th Biennial Christian Formation Congress of the Congregation Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) Philippine Schools Network (PSN) on 22-25 June 2026 at the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC).
With the theme “Identity and Purpose: Reclaiming Missionary Identity in the Frontier Situation,” the event featured talks aimed at strengthening Catholic education in schools within the CICM PSN. In attendance were SLU, Saint Louis College (SLC) – La Union, Saint Mary’s University (SMU), University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao (USLT), and SLC – Cebu.
The event began with a Eucharistic Celebration, presided by USLT President Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, accompanied by SLU Vice President for Mission and Identity (VPMI) Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM; SLC – La Union President Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM; SLC – La Union VPMI Fr. Rumpearl Tenkings Isaac, CICM; SMU University Chaplain and Director of the Center for Christian Formation Rev. Fr. Nemesio F. Huesca, CICM; and SLC – Cebu Director of Mission and Identity Rev. Fr. Rafael A. Silva, CICM.
Fr. Villamar, who also serves as the Chair for CICM-PSN Provincial Committee on Education, delivered the Welcome Remarks. He reminded everyone of the role of Catholic educators and the purpose of the Congress: “A missionary educator is a teacher who sees education as a participation in Christ’s mission, forming minds, hearts, and lives so that students may become persons of competence, conscience, compassion, and missionaries themselves … Let this Congress renew our identity, deepen our purpose, nurture our faith, and strengthen our community.”
Grounding the CICM Identity through Mission and Education
Fr. Maniwang delivered his Keynote Address titled “Fostering the Mission and Identity of CICM Schools” on 23 June. He noted, “Our CICM schools already embody mission through Christian faith education in the forms of catechesis, values education, and integration of Catholic teaching into curriculum and student life; in pastoral and spiritual activities, like retreats, recollections; and initiatives that deepen missionary commitment.”
The afternoon session was led by SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs Felina P. Espique, PhD, with her talk on “Changes in the Philippine Educational Landscape.” Dr. Espique discussed various general changes and challenges in Philippine education, particularly regarding Christian Values Education, along with suggestions for addressing them.
The first day of the program ended with a tour of the Maryhurst Seminary in Happy Hollow and the CICM Home Sweet Home on Governor Pack Road, followed by dinner.
Navigating Modern Challenges in Catholic Education
Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Vice President for Academic Affairs Archimedes T. David kicked off the second day of the Congress with a talk on “Reimagining Religious Education and Holistic Formation.” He imparted the experience of reshaping Catholic education, sharing the history and values of AUF.
Thereafter, Fr. Louis Vuadi Ngoma from the CICM Maryhill School of Theology delivered the second Keynote Address of the Congress titled, “’Cor Unum’ in a Fragmented World: Charting the CICM Mission Through the Lens of Gravissimum Educationis.” Fr. Ngoma extensively discussed the moral challenges of society despite the presence of education and technology. He stressed the importance of Catholic education in building a united society rather than a divided one. “As CICM missionaries, Cor Unum is deeply rooted in our charism: to go where the Gospel is least known, to serve the poor and marginalized, and to build communities that reflect God’s universal love,” he emphasized.
Simultaneous reflective and participatory workshops were then held in the afternoon session, with SLU Executive Assistant to the University President Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD facilitating the Basic Education Schools in the Ladies Residences Cardijn Hall and VPAA Dr. Felina P. Espique, PhD facilitating the tertiary schools in the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall.
The day wrapped up with a Cultural Show led by the SLU Center of Culture and the Arts (CCA), with performances from the SLU Dance Troupe and Tanghalang SLU.
The Digitalization of Values and Religious Formation
On the last day of the Congress, SLU Chief Information Technology Officer and Data Protection Officer Dr. Cecilia A. Mercado, PhD delivered the final talk on “Integrating AI in Catholic Education: A Framework for Excellence, Ethics, and Mission.” AI’s role as a tool for Catholic education has been introduced by Dr. Mercado, along with the responsible use of it for educators and for students. Further, the important role of humanity and ethics in the age of AI was raised, especially in Catechism.
To formally conclude the Congress, a Eucharistic Celebration was held, presided over by Fr. Isaac, together with Fr. Ebumea, Fr. Silva, Fr. Huesca, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM; Parochial Vicar and SLU-SHMC Hospital Chaplain Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM; and Rev. Fr. Geraldo Costa, CICM.
Fr. Ebumea delivered his Closing Remarks afterward, where he told participants to carry the insights gained from the Congress to further strengthen the Christian Identity and Formation. “In closing, may this congress serve not as an end point, but as an ongoing invitation to persevere in the mission with courage, to engage the frontiers of education with wisdom and faith, and to remain faithful to the courage entrusted to CICM educators,” he concluded.
This activity is anchored in the CICM mission and advocacy of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. It is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 Quality Education, 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and 17 Partnerships for the Goals. (Article by Kathleen Therese Catingub, UIO Volunteer | Photos by Kemm Mitchell Olarte, UIO Volunteer)
