09/02/2026
βWhat if [the TraslaciΓ³n] took so long, not because of failure or poor planning, but because the Lord chose to linger with His people? What if the long hours were not an obstacle, but grace?β
β Rev. Msgr. Reginald R. Malicdem
Vicar General and Moderator Curiae,
Archdiocese of Manila
In his homily during the Eucharistic Celebration for the 1st Day of the Manila Archdiocesan Ecclesial Assembly (MAEA) at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel, Rockwell, Makati City.
In his homily, Msgr. Reginald R. Malicdem frames the Manila Archdiocesan Ecclesial Assembly as a shared journey of discernment, planning, and co-responsibility for the mission of the Church. He highlights the TraslaciΓ³n of the Poong Jesus Nazarenoβadopted as the image and inspiration for the TraslaciΓ³n Roadmapβto challenge the common tendency to measure success by speed, efficiency, and quick results. Recalling that this yearβs TraslaciΓ³n was the longest in history, he invites the faithful to reflect on whether progress is truly measured by how fast a journey is completed.
Msgr. Malicdem explains that, like Jesus in the Gospel who patiently walked with the people, the Church is called to accompany, adjust, and remain present with its members, especially the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalized. He stresses that the TraslaciΓ³n Roadmap reminds the Church that slowing down can be a grace, allowing deeper listening, stronger collaboration, and more authentic communion. Rather than rushing implementation, he urges the assembly to ask whether the Church is moving together toward one mission and vision.
Ultimately, he emphasizes that planning, like a pilgrimage, is holy work guided by prayer and purpose. What matters most is not the length of the journey but the faithfulness of walking togetherβtrusting that when the path is long, it may be because the Lord chooses to linger with His people and lead the Church toward deeper transformation.
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