De Navigatione: The Start of Journey on Mission Exhibit

The Concept

The Archdiocese of Davao has formally unveiled its Diamond Jubilee exhibit dubbed ‘De Navigatione’ last September 14, 2024, at the Entrance Lobby of the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC).

‘De Navigatione’ or ‘about the navigation’ in English, is inspired by the symbolic occupation of the early Catholics in Davao and in various references of journeying in the Scriptures.

The exhibit, designed by Banjo Satorre, features a huge facade of a ship with a large sail, housing various historical narratives of the Archdiocese of Davao from the time prior to its establishment until the present.

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Davao Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. explained the concept behind the unique feature of the exhibit in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese.

“The missionaries in the Davao area simply used these kinds of transportations,” the archbishop said.

“Usa sa mga daan [nga] enduring symbol sa Church is a boat,” he added, reference the importance of boats to St. Peter and the journeys of St. Paul.

Abp. Valles gave a deeper meaning on the exhibit’s theme: Raise the Sails – saying “We adjust our sails according to the wind of the Holy Spirit. They were able to somewhat smell the ocean, smell the air where the wind would blow and catch the wind. Kumbaga, to move forward.”

In this year’s celebration of the synod on synodality, Abp. Valles added that the direction of the boat is on heaven and not on earth.

“The navigation was very supernatural. And I would say also – very brave – because at the beginning up to today, they always kept the joy of the Gospel from beginning to today,” he said.

As a recall, the concept for the exhibit on the 75th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Davao was officially launched June of this year at HCDC.

The Historical Content

Institute of Davao Studies (IDS) and member of the ‘De Navigatione’ exhibit committee Rhys Lloyd D. Lacia said that it was through various collation of historical information and scrupulous collection from different schools and religious archives, UIC, AdDU, San Pedro Archives and archives from various parishes including from the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), and San Pedro Cathedral, that made the information in the exhibit substantial.

Lacia, during an interview mentioned that dates and venue on the transfer of the exhibit is set to be announced through social media posts.

During his closing remarks, Director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Church Cultural Heritage Fr. Russell A. Bantiles said that the exhibit is divided into four historical segments – one from HCDC, then by UIC in early October, followed by the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) in late October, then lastly by the San Pablo Parish in early November.

Each segment of the exhibit will highlight different aspects and timeline of the historical occurrences of the Archdiocese. HCDC presented major records from 1848 – 1900 particularly the arrival of Spanish missionaries. UIC will display historical records from 1900s to 1948, including information about the PME Fathers. ADDU will showcase archives from 1949 until the declaration of the Archdiocese of Davao, and narratives about the late Bishop Thibault. San Pablo Parish will present records of evangelization efforts under Abp. Antonio Mabutas, Abp. Fernando Capalla, and Abp. Romulo Valles.

As of this writing, Fr. Bantiles said that the venue of the ‘grand exhibit’ is still being finalized. However, the target date would be on November 15 – just in time for the 75th Anniversary Triduum. On the grand exhibit, all historical narratives and pieces presented from the ‘De Navigatione’ exhibit opening, will be collected and showcased in one venue.

The Team Behind the Exhibit

Abp. Valles expressed his congratulations to Fr. Bantiles and the team for realizing the concept of the exhibit.

The team is composed of the HCDC Center for Social Communications and Alumni Affairs, IDS, Center for Culture and the Arts, Center for Research headed by former Office-in-Charge Kevin Paul C. Bonotan, DXGN Spirit FM and Catholic Herald, UIC headed by Ms. Juris Elorde-Sano, AdDU headed by Dr. Pamela Castrillo, San Pedro Cathedral, San Pablo Parish, Director of the Archdiocesan for Commission on Church Cultural Heritage Fr. Russel A. Bantiles and Fr. Amiel Arado of Santa Ana Shrine Parish. (Razl EJ Teman, HCDC Cross Media)