Becoming Communion: Journeying Towards a Vision of Church in Mindanao

(Final Statement of MSPC XVI Delegates)

To the People of God in Mindanao:

We, 249 delegates — bishops, priests, religious and laity — to the 16th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC XVI), have come together in Davao City on October 16-20, 2017, to discuss the theme, “The Parish as Communion of Communities.”

This theme focuses on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and other lay faith communities in the parish. Starting with MSPC I in 1971, the local churches in Mindanao have striven to introduce BECs as a new way of being Church (see Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-35). Heeding the call of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) for a more participatory church and a new style of servant leadership patterned after the heart of Jesus, MSPC assemblies have touched on various aspects of BECs that have helped the local churches to address current issues – from the Martial Law period in the 70’s and 80s up to the present crisis in Marawi.

In his homily at the Opening Mass in San Pedro Cathedral, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles of Davao pointed out four constants in the life of BECs: the Church, the Eucharist, the power of the Word, and the power of personal witness of faith.

In his keynote address, Bishop Guillermo D. Afable of Digos dwelt on four points: the Church in need of constant renewal (ecclesia semper reformanda); the spirituality of communion; popular devotions and the New Evangelization; and the Indigenous Peoples Apostolate and Interreligious Dialogue.

Based on the collated reports from the five sub-regions of Mindanao, the assembly reflected on three key areas pertaining to BECs. Some of the salient points are noted below:

I. BECs in terms of Communion, Participation and Mission

Among the best practices are:

• Worship/Liturgy – e.g., Sunday celebration in the absence of a Priest, celebrations of the Word (Kasaulogan sa Pulong); devotional practices like the family rosary; celebration of the sacraments at the chapel or zone levels.
• Formation of Local Leaders – e.g., BEC-based catechesis; preparations for the sacraments.
• Service – e.g., livelihood programs; mutual aid (dayong); environmental advocacy; drug rehabilitation programs; Alay Kapwa.

Among the challenges are the following needs:

• More participation among the men folk
• More integral faith formation of leaders and members in the BECs
• Levelling off between lay leaders and parish priests in forming BECs

II. Relationship between BECs and other Lay Faith Communities

• There is need for continuous dialogue to address conflict and rivalry.
• We recognize the charism of various lay faith communities and encourage them to participate in the various ministries of the parish (1 Cor 12).
• Other lay faith communities can help BECs in the parish in terms of formation programs, resource mobilization, and more.
• Parish pastoral plans can include the role of lay faith communities and explore their integration into BEC life within the parish (EG #28-29)
• The bishop and the parish priest are signs of unity in overseeing BECs and other Lay Faith Communities in the diocese as well as in the parish.

III. Interreligious Dialogue (IRD) and Indigenous People (IP) Apostolate in the Parish

• Not all parishes have IRD or IP apostolates; however many among the clergy are open to IP and IRD programs.
• In parishes where IP presence is strong, the IP apostolate is also active in terms of programs and inculturated liturgy.
• Some parishes offer scholarships and livelihood programs for IP communities.
• IRD and IP exposure should be included in the seminary formation of future priests.
• Parishes should observe special commemorations like the Indigenous People Sunday and the Mindanao Week of Peace, and more.
• Parishes should include IRD and the IP apostolate in their pastoral plan.
• MSPC XVI gratefully acknowledges the zealous ministry of religious priests, sisters and brothers among Muslims and IP communities.

IV. Pastoral Situation of Mindanao

Reinforcing the call for Interreligious dialogue were the presentations of Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI of Cotabato and Bishop Edwin S. de la Peña, MSP of Marawi on the current situation in Mindanao and particularly in the ongoing Marawi crisis.

Referring to an earlier joint message by Catholic bishops and Muslim religious leaders in Informal Peace Talks convened by the Sant’Egidio Community in Rome, Cardinal Quevedo expounded on countering violent extremism in all religions; pursuing the peace process and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic law; promoting peace education and IRD; understanding the magnitude of the war on drugs, issues of human rights and Martial Law; and acknowledging the hopes of many ordinary Filipinos for change to end widespread poverty and corruption.

On his part, Bishop Edwin A. de la Peña, MSP recounted his two heart-breaking visits to Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob after his escape and rescue from his captors in Marawi. The Bishop stressed the bright light in the conflict: the solidarity among ordinary Muslims and Christians in sharing a common humanity in times of need. He invited the dioceses in Mindanao to join Duyog Marawi, a relief and rehabilitation effort spearheaded by the Prelature of St. Mary in Marawi, with the help of the Redemptorists and other groups.

On its final day, the assembly broke up into sub-regional and diocesan groupings to identify action points for the next three years.

We express our deep gratitude to the host Archdiocese of Davao for their exceptional conference management and durian hospitality. As we go back to our 21 Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction – 5 Archdioceses, 13 Dioceses, 2 Prelatures and 1 Apostolic Vicariate, we affirm our commitment to continue to build and strengthen BECs in our parishes as a vibrant communion of Christ-centered communities. May Our Lady of Fatima, to whom we have consecrated the entire Church in Mindanao, be our constant guide in this centennial year of her apparition and in the years to come.

Approved on this 19th day of October in the year 2017 in Davao City.