Celebrating 75 years of faith

History

The Archdiocese of Davao is a religious jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. The archdiocese comprises the city of Davao, The Island Garden City of Samal and the municipality of Talaingod, Davao del Norte. The Archdiocese of Davao started on December 17, 1949 when it was established as a Prelature Nullius of Davao. Before 1949, it was part of Diocese of Zamboanga. This year 2024, we joyously commemorate the 75th Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Davao, marking a significant milestone in our synodal journey alongside the neighboring Dioceses of Digos, Tagum, and Mati with the theme, “Journeying Together as a Synodal Church Living Out the Spirituality of Stewardship in our Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs)”. The Archdiocese of Davao has been journeying towards constant renewal significantly called for by the Second Vatican Council. With the first Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) held in Davao City in 1971 and for the next two in 1974 and 1977, and the subsequent two Archdiocesan Pastoral Assemblies of Davao (APAD) in 1981 and 1994, respectively the building of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) became the main pastoral thrust.

Being Among the Youth of Today

There is much proof that the church is relevant even until today since it plays a significant role in influencing the lives of people especially the youth, we live in a society where relationships, identity and abuse exist and these are just some of the issues that the youth are facing. The church teaches us to grow our relationships with God; it also provides support and encouragement that most of the youth seek for.

Embracing Gratitude: A Reflection on Church Anniversaries

Church anniversaries offer a unique occasion for the congregation to extend their heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving, celebrating the rich tapestry of the church history, remarkable growth, and the abundant blessings it has experienced throughout the years. This special time encourages a reflective pause, where the faithful contemplate the unwavering faithfulness of God and earnestly recognize the invaluable contributions of both past and present members.

Nurturing Faith and Leadership: The Church’s Role in Providing Comfort, Mentorship, and Empowering Youth Engagement

In moments of crisis, grief, or adversity, individuals frequently seek solace and spiritual support from the church. The church community becomes a source of comfort, extending prayers, and fostering a supportive network to navigate through challenging times with compassion and understanding. Frequently, as a youth we actively seek mentorship and guidance from seasoned members within the church community. The presence of the mentors capable of offering valuable advice, sharing personal experiences and providing spiritual guidance plays a vital role in nurturing the youth’s personal and spiritual development. The church should offer opportunities for the youth to assume leadership roles within its community. This involvement may encompass active participation in worship services, event organization, or leadership in youth-focused initiatives, fostering a deep sense of responsibility and ownership among the younger members. Also the church should engage the youth in impactful service and outreach initiatives within the community. Participating in activities that contribute positively enables them to bridge their faith with real-world issues, cultivating a profound sense of social responsibility. (Jastine Wasawas | ACD Immersionist)