By CBCP News
November 18, 2022
Manila, Philippines
The Parents for Education Foundation, Inc. (PAREF), a network of 16 schools based in the Philippines, is holding the 3rd Jesus-Centered Life (JCL) International Conference this coming December 8.
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, whose “ultimate purpose” according to St. Pope Paul VI is the universal call to holiness, the conference theme is “Holy and heroic: The courage to be Catholic”.
With over 30 years in his ministry, international speaker John Beaulieu from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in the US will speak on how Catholics can be heroically holy in their daily struggles.
An expert in youth evangelization, Beaulieu has worked in the Christian Outreach Office of the Franciscan University, and presently is its Director for Evangelization and Engagement.
In a recent press conference with Beaulieu, Dr. Raul Nidoy, and Danny Moran, the panel talked about how we can grow stronger and more courageous as we move on to the post-pandemic era.
“We are slowly going back to how our lives used to be, but it’s not as simple as we thought,” said PAREF Chair and President Danny Moran.
According to him, many changes and new challenges have occurred whether it be in the business sector or one’s own spiritual life.
Moran said it’s important to ask ourselves, “What are these difficulties, and how do we cope with all of these things? There has to be a lot of adjustments, but the bigger challenge is how we can be holy and heroic in this era.”
He suggested “beginning wherever we are– at home, in our daily lives, facing the situations that we encounter daily, whether it’s academic, athletic, or even professional, there has to be a lot of adjustments.”
Beaulieu stressed that despite the challenges and hardships presented by the post-pandemic era, people have to entrust their fears to the Lord, quoting Joseph Piper who once said, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
To do this, the conference speaker heavily encouraged the need to pray, read the Bible and frequent the Sacraments “to put us in contact with the living Word of God” as a means of entering Him.
“This is so important: receive the sacraments. They give grace to us and draw us closer to Christ,” Beaulieu said.
Nidoy, an atheist-turned-Catholic theologian and publisher of the book “Jesus-Centered: A Guide to Happiest Life”, emphasized that the goal of the JCL conference is to help Christ reach everyone and each one all over the world.
He said in the previous year that we need to address the pressing issues of our time by encouraging people to rediscover the joy and peace of a life centered on Jesus.
In partnership with EWTN, Parousia Media, and Steubenville Conferences of the Franciscan University, organizers also hope the conference will help people realize the beauty of living ordinary holiness amid their daily circumstances.
Launched in 2020, JCL had more than 70 renowned international and local speakers, reaching over 40,000 people from around the world.
JCL 2022 will feature three talks from Beaulieu addressing three target audiences: students, parents, and educators. Other activities include Masses, family rosaries, live student panels, and access to previous talks from JCL 2020 and 2021.
Everyone is encouraged to join this free online conference by visiting the JCL website and registering at JCL 2022.
For updates and more information, interested individuals or parties may like and follow the Facebook page of JCL or email them at jesuscentered@paref.edu.ph.
