Archdiocese of Davao closes Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and Indigenous People

The Archdiocese of Davao celebrated the closing of the Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and Indigenous People on October 10, 2020. The year 2020 of the Philippine Catholic Church is inspired by a theme that focuses on dialogue to gain harmonious relationships among all denominations. This year’s celebration is history as the culmination is different from usual as the activity revealed virtually. The merriment is done without the physical presence of everyone, yet distant but not disconnected.

The celebration is unique as it happened in different venues but presented as one. The Interreligious Dialogue spearhead by Fr. Pedro P. Lamata, DCD at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Legazpi St., Davao City; the Indigenous Peoples with Rev. Fr. Flocerencio A. Acedo, Jr., DCD at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (SHJP) in Obrero, Davao City; the Bishop’s Residence in Torres St. Davao City with Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD; at the San Pedro Cathedral with Msgr. Julius C. Rodulfa, DCD; and Ms. Victoria E. Anghag, Archdiocesan GKK Lay Coordinator as the anchor at the DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM station.

It is a remarkable event as religious leaders of various denominations attended the event, and even the venue wherein a sanctuary from different denomination have been the place for dialogue. Present also are the people who have significant contribution in making this event a movement to establish, collaborate, and appreciate spiritual values from among the members for unity and peace. The Archbishop-Emeritus Most Rev. Fernando R. Capalla started the Center of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Archdiocese, and the convenor of the Bishops Ulama Conference graced the event. Also, with him in the UCCP is the Executive Pastor of the said Church, Pastor Haniel Taganas; Rev. Fr. Hermie Garcia SSS, Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Assumption and Episcopal Vicar for the Religious, and Pastor Grace Alguisa Bangisan of the UCCP.

Meanwhile, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish were participated by Josephine Estopil of the Josefa Segovia Foudnation, Inc. and director and member of the Teresian Association; Nimfa Ponteras, IPA Scholar; Armelita Padernal, JSF Governance Officer; Jun Guadalquiver and Joy Brillos as IPA staff; and also the Indigenous Cultural Communities, selected tribe from Matigsalug-Manobo of the 3rd District of Davao.

The program demonstrates unity despite different ways of expressing faith. There is no denying that the program shows love, harmony, and respect for each other. Everyone is also given the opportunity to share their experiences, goals, desires, and dialogue results so that peace can be achieved in every society.

On the other hand, Nimfa Ponteras, an IPA scholar, a recipient of the Archdiocese’s IP program, graduated this year from the course Bachelor of Elementary Education at the Assumption College of Davao. The benefactors of Ms. Ponteras whose names remain confidential, are proud of her achievements and believed that her success would be a model for others to be educated and share knowledge with their respective communities. The IP communities are very grateful for their continued trust and support of the people who invested their time and money for the IPs to get up and also serve their colleagues within their community.

In an interview with Fr. Pedro P. Lamata, director of the Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (ACIED) revealed that this program is a dialogue among Christians, Catholics, and Protestants with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other religions. As this program continues, those involved make each other closer, leading to unified prayer services, a beautiful experience as the primary purpose is for all to be friends. The Indigenous Peoples showcased their original composition of prayer, love songs, and chants and performed their dances in colorful costumes with their accompaniments.

The program ended with a candle lighting and community singing of the song Let There Be Peace on Earth with those in the UCCP, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bishop’s residence, San Pedro Cathedral and those watching via FB live of the Facebook page of DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM.

Rev. Fr. Pedro P. Lamata, expressed in an interview that the interreligious dialogue unites Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, among others, which according to him are friends and are now friends. He said further that “dialogue is witnessing, if you are truly Catholic, live your faith, if you are Muslim or Protestant, live your faith, stand with your faith.” According to Fr. Lamata, the dialogue’s primary purpose is not to convert them to our faith and us to their faith but friendship, get closer with each and be united, just like what Jesus wants for us to be all one. Treat everyone as brothers and sisters as Pope Francis wants us to instill human fraternity for peace. “We are all made by God; we need to live that we are friends, brothers and sisters, regardless of how we call God and despite differences in revealing our faith,” Fr. Pete added. (Gresiel E. Ferrando | SHJP Soccom)