PH Bishops Converge in Ozamiz for Historic 132nd CBCP Plenary Assembly

Church bells and warm hospitality greeted Catholic archbishops and bishops from all over the Philippines as they arrived at the Ozamiz Airport early Friday morning. Their arrival marks the official start of a week-long convergence for the 132nd Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and their annual spiritual retreat.

The arriving prelates were received by a welcoming delegation led by Most Rev. Martin S. Jumoad, D.D., Archbishop of Ozamiz. Joining him on the tarmac were clergy members of the host archdiocese, local seminarians, and high-ranking representatives from both the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental and the Local Government of Ozamiz City.

A Historic Gathering for Mindanao

The week-long event, running from July 3 to 10, 2026, represents a historic milestone for the region. It is only the second time that a local Church in Mindanao has been selected to host the plenary assembly. The event also happily coincides with the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz.

Adding to the spiritual significance of the event, the arrival of the bishops aligns with the Mindanao leg of the six-month national tour of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mental Health, Energy Crisis to Top Agenda

The gathering is structured into two main parts. From July 3 to 7, the bishops will take part in their annual spiritual retreat focusing on synodality, communion, and participation. This spiritual foundation will feature video reflections from prominent theologians, including British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, as well as addresses from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David.

Following the retreat, the official plenary sessions will commence from July 8 to 10 at the Archdiocesan Maria Cristina Hall, situated within the Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban.

According to CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, the highest decision-making body of the Philippine Catholic Church is set to tackle critical socio-pastoral challenges. Key items on the agenda include: National mental health priorities; Environmental stewardship and the global energy crisis; and Ecclesiastical synergy and localized pastoral care

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown and CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera are scheduled to deliver the opening addresses to the body.

Local Community Mobilization

Archbishop Jumoad confirmed that preparations have been finalized across the province. To allow local Catholics to participate in the event, several parishes across Misamis Occidental will host Holy Masses led by the visiting bishops.

Participating local sanctuaries include the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Ozamiz City, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Tangub City, and Holy Rosary Parish in Oroquieta City, among others.

The conference consists of 83 active bishops, 45 retired bishops, and three diocesan administrators representing millions of faithful nationwide. The assembly is expected to issue a collective pastoral statement addressing the discussed issues at the conclusion of their sessions on July 10.