Embracing Synodality and Mission Post-Pandemic

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate International or DMII held its 14th Regional Assembly on June 1, 2024 hosted by the Diocese of Tagum, a first after the pandemic lockdown period. The day-long event was opened through a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Most Rev. Monsignor Federico M. Mantica and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Jimmy S. Ozoa and Rev. Fr. Jose Ariel V. Garcia, all from the Diocese of Tagum.

In his homily, Monsignor Pepe as he is fondly called brought the DMII faithful to the spirit of synodality being the event’s theme, “A Synodal Community With Mary Doing Mission With Inspiration and Integrity”. The good Monsignor posed a challenge to the DMII to become among themselves a synodal community in doing their mission with “inspiration and integrity” exemplified by Mary who leads them close to her Son Jesus. Msgr. Pepe took insights as to what it takes to become a synodal community by remembering the example of St. Justin whose memorial was also celebrated on June 1. Like St. Justin, the good monsignor continued that “active listening” is fundamental to ‘knowing’ the person of Jesus whose authority was questioned by the scribes from the day’s gospel. “To know and understand the person of Jesus the Head of his Mystical Body, the Church, is a basic synodal experience in doing missions because we are a Church that always speak; we are an evangelizing Church.”

Meanwhile, in a keynote speech by Rev. Fr. Ariel Garcia that followed after the Eucharistic Celebration, he said that “synodality wouldn’t be possible without first experiencing communion with God” taking the example of Mary’s Annunciation when she first experienced God’s communion through angel Gabriel. “Like Mary’s listening when called for the mission of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus born of her, we too are called to become missionary; a synodal Church is a missionary Church,” emphasized Fr. Garcia.

The attendees of around 600 are coming from the five dioceses (DADITAMA and Marbel). DMII has five Mission Thrusts: Pro-life, Upliftment of Women, Morality in Media, Youth Welfare, and Assistance to Prisoners. (Cynthia C. Chu)