Philippine Bishops Welcome The Chosen Team at CBCP Plenary Assembly

Ozamiz City, Philippines, July 6, 2026: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) welcomed the international team behind The Chosen during its Plenary Assembly in Ozamiz City, underscoring the growing collaboration between the popular television series and the Catholic Church in Asia.

The presentation, held on July 4 in partnership with the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), introduced the bishops to the vision of The Chosen and its use as a tool for sharing the Gospel through visual storytelling.

The session began with a welcome by Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, Secretary General of the CBCP, who introduced the delegation to the bishops.

The presentation was led by Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI; Ashish Nag, Asia Lead for The Chosen; Randel Serrano, Catholic Engagement Manager for The Chosen in the Philippines; and Ajin Joseph, Catholic Engagement Manager for The Chosen in India and Associate Secretary of the CCBI Family Commission.

The team outlined how The Chosen has been fostering deeper engagement with the life of Jesus through "Chosen Encounter" sessions conducted in parishes, dioceses, seminaries, religious communities and educational institutions. The bishops also participated in one such encounter, experiencing a format that combines viewing selected scenes from the series with prayer, reflection and conversation in the spirit.

Several bishops shared their reflections following the session, describing the experience as spiritually enriching and highlighting the potential of The Chosen to strengthen faith formation and community life by bringing people together around the Gospel.

During the presentation, Ashish Nag also unveiled plans for the theatrical release of The Chosen: Crucifixion, scheduled for early 2027. The film is expected to be released in more than 30 countries, including the Philippines, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the Passion of Christ on the big screen.

Conveying the message of CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Armea Garcera of Lipa, Fr. Vladimir M. Echalas, SOLT, thanked The Chosen team for its presentation and assured the conference's support for initiatives aimed at bringing the story of Jesus to more communities across the Philippines.

The meeting marked another step in the expanding partnership between The Chosen and the Catholic Church in Asia, as both seek to share the Gospel through contemporary media and storytelling.

By Catholic Connect Reporter