Manila: Catholic bishops in the country will gather in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental for their 132nd plenary assembly from July 8 to 10. In a news release Saturday, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) secretary general Msgr. Bernardo Pantin said the assembly will discuss pastoral priorities and key issues facing both the Church and the nation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown and CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera will deliver the opening speeches. Pantin stated that the members of the conference will discuss mental health, care for creation, and the global energy crisis, alongside other pastoral concerns affecting communities.

At the same time, the CBCP official asked the faithful to pray for the bishops so that their discussions and decisions may faithfully serve the Church and the Filipino people. "As shepherds, the bishops come together to listen to one another and to discern the best ways to respond to the needs of our communities. Your prayers are an essential part of that journey," he said in an article posted on CBCP News.

The plenary assembly will follow the bishops' annual retreat from July 3 to 6, which will reflect on synodality, the Church's continuing effort to deepen communion, participation, and mission. Among those who will be present during the retreat are British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, a Dominican theologian, who will deliver a video reflection; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who will also address the bishops; and Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who will offer a spiritual reflection.

Currently, there are 83 active bishops, 45 retired bishops, and three diocesan priest administrators serving the Catholic Church across the country. The conference conducts regular plenary assemblies twice a year, in January and in July. When they are not in session, its permanent council acts on behalf of the conference.