DMII: A Synodal Community in the Service of God and Country

“To gather together and participate in the mission of proclaiming God’s Peace in our little way in loving obedience to the will of the Father in imitation of the fiat of Mary” was what Rev. Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga emphasized in his homily at the Eucharistic Celebration during the 27th Mindanao Area Conference of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate International or DMII at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City. As the theme of the Conference, “DMII: A Synodal Community with Mary Doing Missions With Inspiration And Integrity”, Fr. Bong Gonzaga, the Spiritual Director of DMII of Region XIII, highlighted the interrelated dimensions of communion, participation and mission for a “conversion to the thinking of God and not of men in the synodal journey”.

At the close of his homily, Fr. Bong invited the DMII delegates of around one thousand from all over Mindanao to remain a beacon of hope reminding them the virtues of simplicity, humility and obedience exemplified by Our Queen of Peace “during this time of escalating geopolitical tensions in our part of the world.”

The praying of Oratio Imperata for Peace followed by the singing of Let There Be Peace on Earth as recessional hymn ended the Mass with the final blessing to “Go in Peace”.

Shortly after the Holy Mass was the Keynote Address by the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, Honorable Sara Z. Duterte. In her address, the Vice President recognized the DMII as “dedicated Catholic women who are one in mission to serve and impact more lives especially those in underserved communities across Mindanao”. She further recognized the DMII as “women of faith, zeal and selfless dedication for decades providing young Filipinos especially in remote and marginalized communities of Mindanao in the education and humanitarian assistance thereby opening doors of opportunity bringing them hope for a brighter future.”

It may be noted that Mindanao is home of rich diverse cultures and to foster communal bonds of friendship and unity is challenging in the context of synodality.

In the vision of committing to the service of God and country, the DMII made presentations as to updates of accomplishments from national to regional and diocesan levels about its five mission thrusts: Prolife, Upliftment of Women Workers, Youth Welfare, Morality in Media, and Assistance to Prisoners’ Families and their Victims.

As the City of Davao was celebrating the Kadayawan Festival during which the Mindanao Area Conference was scheduled in August 16-17, 2024, the delegates came to experience the awe and wonder in deeper appreciation of vibrant display of unity drawn by faith that transcends religious boundaries. That is synodality at work! (Cynthia C. Chu, MATRE, Scribe, St. Francis of Assissi Circle, DMII)