News and Events
All to Proclaim His Holy Name:
The 36th National Convention of
Holy Name Society of the Philippines
by Mar Dales
HNS Bulletin, VOLVIII, ISSUE 1, Janaury - April 2009

Holy Namers across the country came together last April 24-26, 2009 at Betania Retreat House, Tagaytay City, Cavite, for the 36th National Convention of the National Association of the Holy Name Society Philippines. The convention’s theme was “Proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus” - a very timely theme to promote the core values of this Catholic lay organization. The Immaculate Conception Parish Unit in Dasmariñas, Cavite hosted the gathering as part of their 50th Golden Founding Anniversary this year.

This affair started with a Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. George O. Moreno, O.P., Former HNS National Spiritual Director and current Parish Priest of Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City and Rev. Fr. Rey Adalid, O.P. current HNS National Spiritual Director. In his homily, Fr. Moreno emphasized on the relevance of Proclaiming the Most Holy Name of Jesus in our lives as Christians and Catholic lay men and women.

After the mass, the Catholic Organization had the opportunity to hear a message from its 1st speaker, Hon. Eddie T. Panlilio, Governor of Pampanga, on how St. Paul proclaimed the Name of Jesus. In his speech, Among Ed, as he is fondly called, expressed into three ways St. Paul’s proclamation: We must be possessed by Jesus, we must leave our comfort zones and we must do our mission. He shared his experience as priest for 28 years and now as a public servant in his home province as Proclaimer of God’s Love to his constituents.

Fr. Adalid facilitated an hour of spiritual reflection for the delegates of this year’s convention.

The following day featured the turn over ceremony of the presidency of the Catholic lay organization from Bro. Jimmy Pablito to Bro. Manny Aguilar. Also the Induction of NAHNSP Officers was officiated by Rev. Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, Jr., O.P., Prior Provincial-Dominican Province after he led the Eucharistic Celebration. On this day, four speakers gave their different insights on the theme: Bro. Emiliano Aberin, Past President of HNSP gave a talk on “Jesus Christ the Great Healer and Teacher”, while well-known Catholic Charismatic Priest and Former HNS National Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Larry Faraon shared his perspectives on “Proclaiming the Holy Name of Jesus to our E-Generation’”.

In the afternoon we had Rev. Fr. Adalid who talked on the need for Holy Name Members to be true Proclaimers of Jesus in their daily lives. Then the delegates had the opportunity to hear from Most Rev. Pedro Arigo, D.D., Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, on the Spirituality of the bearer of the Good News. He detailed the essence of spirituality of living as instruments of God’s manifestation of His goodness to humankind. These talks were followed by an open forum and workshop which gave the delegates an opportunity to share their different experiences of God’s love in their lives.

In the evening a fellowship hosted by Councilor Mariano of Tagaytay City was held in his residence. Here the delegates representing Archdiocesan unions, Diocesan unions and Parish units had more bonding moments.

The last day of the convention started with a concelebrated mass with the Most Rev. Bishop Francisco San Diego, D.D. of the Diocese of Pasig as principal celebrant and homilist. Then Rev. Fr. Francis Tiquia, OATH, gave a talk on the Deliverance Ministry through the Name of Jesus. In his speech, he shared his experience as exorcist of the Catholic Church and how our Lord Jesus used His power to drive away the evil spirits.

Over-all Chairperson of this convention, Bro. Judge Didong Villanueva (Ret.) gave a heartfelt gratitude to the delegates in his closing remarks.