Philippine bishops explored evangelisation and synodality during a retreat in Ozamis, featuring The Chosen and reflections by Cardinal David.
Newsroom (09/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) opened a three-day spiritual retreat in the Archdiocese of Ozamis as preparation for its 132nd Plenary Assembly, scheduled for July 8–10, with discussions centred on evangelisation, pastoral outreach, and the Church’s synodal mission.
A significant feature of the retreat was a presentation on The Chosen, the internationally acclaimed multi-season television series depicting the life of Jesus Christ and the people transformed by their encounters with him. The meeting, held on the opening day of the retreat, highlighted the growing collaboration between Catholic leaders in Asia and the creators of the series as they explore new approaches to faith formation and Gospel proclamation.
Directed by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen has achieved global recognition since its launch as an independent, crowdfunded project in 2019. Dubbed into dozens of languages and currently in its fifth season, the series has been widely praised for its distinctive storytelling, emotional depth, and accessibility to audiences beyond traditional faith communities.
The presentation in Ozamis was organised in cooperation with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI), reflecting broader regional efforts to use contemporary media as a pastoral tool. Participants discussed how visual storytelling can help communicate the Gospel message in ways that resonate with modern audiences.
Among those leading the session were Father Christopher Vimalraj, associate deputy general secretary of the CCBI; Ashish Nag, Asia director for The Chosen; Randel Serrano, the programme’s Catholic engagement director in the Philippines; and Ajin Joseph, Catholic engagement director for India and associate secretary of the CCBI Family Commission.
The panel outlined initiatives designed to deepen engagement with the life of Jesus through “Chosen Encounter” sessions. These gatherings, conducted in parishes, dioceses, seminaries, religious communities, and educational institutions, combine selected scenes from the series with prayer, reflection, and spiritual dialogue.
Philippine bishops participating in the retreat experienced the format firsthand, taking part in a session that integrated viewing, contemplation, and shared discussion.
During the presentation, Ashish Nag also announced plans for the theatrical release of The Chosen: Crucifixion in early 2027. The feature film is expected to reach audiences in more than 30 countries, including the Philippines, offering viewers an opportunity to experience the Passion of Christ on the big screen.
The retreat concluded with a Mass that brought the focus from media evangelisation to the Church’s broader mission of accompaniment and inclusion. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan, delivered a reflection on the meaning of synodality, emphasising that authentic Church leadership requires attentiveness to those who live on society’s margins.
The liturgy also marked the arrival of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Archdiocese of Ozamis, the eighth stop in its nationwide pilgrimage across the Philippines.
Addressing fellow bishops, Cardinal David stressed that a synodal Church is not only one that journeys together but also one willing to stop and listen to those often overlooked. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel account of the woman afflicted with a haemorrhage, he pointed to Jesus as the model of compassionate leadership.
“Jesus was on his way to a dying child, yet he did not consider the woman an inconvenience. He stopped because compassion always has time,” the cardinal said.
David urged Church leaders to imitate God’s initiative by actively seeking those who have become distant from the Church rather than waiting for their return. His remarks underscored a central principle of synodality: outreach rooted in encounter, listening, and accompaniment.
The cardinal also acknowledged the reality that many poor Filipinos feel excluded from Church life. Referring again to the Gospel narrative, he noted that Jesus restored the woman’s dignity before healing her, addressing her as “Daughter” and affirming her worth.
The retreat’s twin themes—innovative evangelisation through modern media and renewed commitment to pastoral inclusion—set a reflective tone for the CBCP’s 132nd Plenary Assembly. As Philippine bishops prepare for their formal deliberations, the gathering in Ozamis has underscored the Church’s desire to proclaim the Gospel through both contemporary storytelling and compassionate accompaniment, particularly among those who feel forgotten or excluded.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Asianews.it
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