Seven Faiths, One Voice: Interfaith Prayer Unites Hearts at PCNE XI

by Li Dawan

On July 20, 2025, despite the strong winds and heavy rains brought by typhoons, the spirit of unity and faith prevailed as seven religious leaders gathered for the Interfaith Prayer at the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE XI), held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, which seats up to 5,700. The three-day event, themed “Padayon: Synodal Witnessing of the Faith,” embraced a hybrid format to ensure the safety of participants while maintaining the conference’s mission of encounter, reflection, and mission.

Accompanying Abbess Venerable Miao Jing of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple were Buddha's Light International Association Secretary Dharma Sister Meeling Sze, Advisor of Quezon sub-chapter Dharma Brother Patrick Tanunliong, together with Guang Ming College scholars Nathaniel Caparas and Ma. Maenelva Geraldez.

Founded in 2013 by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, PCNE has served as a platform for clergy, religious, and laypeople to walk together in faith and service. This year’s theme, Padayon—a Visayan word meaning “to carry on”—emphasizes the Catholic Church’s synodal identity as a community of hope, faith, and love, pressing forward despite life’s adversities.

In a world challenged by climate disasters, conflict, and moral uncertainty, the 2025 PCNE XI Interfaith Prayer became a beacon of light—demonstrating that when faiths walk together, peace follows. The Interfaith Prayer opened Day 3 of the conference, and featured leaders representing diverse religious traditions, who stood side-by-side in a moving display of solidarity:

Bishop Ariel Santos, Charismatic Episcopal Church

Imam Ebra Moxsir, President, Imam Council of the Philippines

Maharaj Rajesh Sharma, Hindu representative

President Janryll Fernandez, Mission Leader, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess, Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple

Ms. Minnie Anne Mata-Calub, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines

Fr. Leo Angelo Ignacio, Director, Configuration Stage Department, San Carlos Seminary

Representing the Buddhist tradition, Venerable Miao Jing offered a prayer composed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, titled “Prayer for Love and Peace.” Her recitation reflected the deep commitment of all faiths to universal values such as compassion, harmony, and respect:

“Religion has served as a spiritual shelter… Let us vow together: we shall love our Earth as one, guard our homeland together, do good deeds, say good words, think good thoughts.”

Venerable Miao Jing reminded the faithful that religion continues to shape the moral and spiritual direction of humanity. She emphasized the need to “do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts”, echoing the Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) taught by Venerable Master Hsing Yun as a path toward personal cultivation and social harmony. Her prayer concluded with a solemn chanting of the Transference of Merits, dedicating all good virtues to the well-being of all sentient beings.

Nathaniel Caparas, one of the student participants, shared that the interfaith prayer was “a solemn and powerful way to regain hope despite the ongoing crises in the world.” He reflected on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s prayer, stating that it reminds us to practice the TAG in order to transcend mishaps and transform negative energy into peace.