Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community

The “Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community” (a Catholic charismatic community) is a private association of the lay faithful. As such, it professes communion with the Roman Catholic Church and submits to the authority of the Roman Pontiff and the Diocesan Bishop of the local Church. The BLD Covenant Community started in June 1985 in Manila, Philippines, which is now the center of its international organization.

It is the purpose of the BLD Covenant Community to empower the lay faithful in the task of evangelization by promoting the values of the Kingdom of God among individuals, couples, and families through the various encounter and renewal programs. It endeavors to form BLD Districts throughout the world, with organized structures and relationships to effectively advance the BLD Covenant Community’s purpose.

One of the programs being run by BLD is the Marriage Encounter (ME). Its purpose is marriage enhancement. It has 12 topics which include knowing the self, stages of marriage, and even knowing how to fight. The said seminar is open for Catholics. Monthly reunions/teachings are being held after the graduation. Three MEs are being conducted per year. After the ME, they are invited to join Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS), Basic Bible Seminar (BBS), Growth in the Spirit Seminar. Couples can also join in the service ministry. Recently, BLD-Davao has produced its ME Class 60 graduates.

In an interview, Isabel (wife of Eddie Pacana of BLD) shares, “Personally, sa aming dalawa, I learned the importance of communication with God. As cradle Catholics, we are used to joining the Mass every Sunday. As we join the community, we develop a relationship with God. We avail the confession as often as possible; then go to Mass every day. I told my husband before that having a family with all boys, he has to be more involved with the rearing of the children (since he was an athlete). When kids were growing up, they were exposed to prayer and community life. We bring them during Family Days. We also have Mark 10 — kids of Marriage Encounter. We also have Youth Encounter. When you ask them to pray, marunong silang mag pray. I just pray and hope na makita nila kami na involved sa community life. When they have a family, they will have to follow our footsteps.”

The BLD community Prayer meeting at San Pablo Parish, Matina, Davao City, Thursday Night (More: http://www.bldworld.org)