Bataan hosts WACOM 2017 meeting

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – In preparation for the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM) 2017 wherein the Philippines is privileged to be the host, Dr. Hector Santos of Orani District Hospital led the meeting attended by personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), MBDA Chairman Charlie Pizarro, PDRRMO head Audie Atienza, heads of the different departments of the Provincial Government of Bataan and other stakeholders to discuss, organize, and coordinate the things that are needed in the said event. The meeting was held this morning, January 17, 2017, at the Bulwagan ng Bayan conference room.

WACOM is an international gathering of Divine Mercy devotees and promoters; among whom are bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters and the laity. Convened every three years, the Philippines is honored to host the 4th WACOM this January 16-20, 2017.

First held at the Vatican in Rome, Italy on April 2-6, 2008, it was led by its President, Christoph Cardinal Schonborn, O.P., wherein more than 4,000 delegates gathered from all over the world reflecting on the theme: “BeWitnesses of Mercy.”

The next congress with the theme “Unique Hope for the World” was held in Krakow, Poland from October 1-5, 2011. Here, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception initiated the signature campaign for St. Faustina’s declaration as doctor of the Church.

The third meeting reflecting on the theme: “Mercy, Word and Mission for a New Spring in the Church” was held in Bogota, Columbia on August 14-18, 2014. Here, the apostolic movement to spread the message of mercy resounded loud and clear and the challenge to become missionaries of mercy is at hand.

This year, WACOM’s theme reflects on “Communion in Mercy; Mission for Mercy.” The five-day event will be held at the following places, respectively: the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Archdiocese of Manila, the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas Archdiocese of Manila, the National Shrine and Parish of Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas Archdiocese of Lipa, the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan Diocese of Malolos, and the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Diocese of Balanga, Bataan.

Focusing on the fifth day which will be held in Bataan, activities will be held simultaneously at Saint Joseph Cathedral, Balanga, Bataan, Diocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Balanga, Bataan, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Bagac, Bataan, and Holy Land, Subic Freeport. Logistical requirements like security details, medical responders/ambulance units, food requirements, gasoline, emergency medicines, medical bills, ID badges, and deployment times were also discussed.