Manresa School is proud to be represented at the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE XI), a three-day national gathering held from July 18 to 20, 2025. Attending the event are Mr. Dan Mark Christopher Geronimo (Pastoral Ministry Coordinator), Mr. Russel Calmante (Music Teacher), Ms. Karen Garay (CLE Teacher), along with two high school students, Martina Isabelle B. Puzon (Grade 10) and Edwin Noel A. Tantongco (Grade 11).

The opening day of PCNE XI began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the current Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jose Fuerte Advincula. To officially launch the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE), with the theme “Padayon” meaning to move forward or continue, Rev. Fr. Jason Laguerta delivered his opening remarks, reminding everyone that “Synodality is not the destination; it is the path we take.”

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, the Archbishop of Caloocan, followed with a talk on hope, emphasizing the message: “God wants His people to be free.” Afterward, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, founding chairman of PCNE, led his traditional “heart-to-heart talk,” a session dedicated to sincere conversations among guests. This included prominent figures such as award-winning journalist Ms. Jessica Soho, professional basketball player and coach Mr. LA Tenorio, Dr. Edita Burgos, and community servants like social worker Ms. Janelle Samong, Anthony Amoc, Sr. Marilu, and Mr. Rene Cruz, a catechist who is both deaf and mute.

IN PHOTOS: Jessica Soho with LA Tenorio and Mrs. Editha Burgos at Heart-to-Heart: Signs of Hope during the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization, moderated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (One at Heart, Jessica Soho)'s post I Facebook.com

After the lunch break, attendees participated in the AUDIAM sessions, where they were assigned rooms to engage in heartfelt discussions about personal encounters with hopelessness. Through group sharing, participants reflected on their struggles, drew strength from shared experiences, and sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance on their journey forward. These moments of vulnerability and solidarity set a reflective tone as the day concluded.

To close the first day of PCNE XI, Cardinal Tagle delivered the final talk, centered on the theme of hope. He emphasized that “Hope is not just wishful thinking” and reminded everyone, “We must not confuse hope with a wish.” He affirmed that “Hope does not disappoint because of the love of the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts.”

Article by: Martina Isabelle B. Puzon and Edwin Noel A. Tantongco  

Photos by the PCNE Participants