Sentire Cum Ecclesia

This borrowed motto which means “to think and feel with the Church” is from the late Archbishop Antonio Mabutas from the very beginnings of DADITAMA. It will be the title of the Metropolitan Synthesis which will be submitted to the CBCP in Manila. The synod team has been very busy since last year and busier from March this year until early this June.

The culminating activity from May 21 at the Ateneo de Davao Martin Hall for the Archdiocese of Davao was a success given that the attendees have mostly confirmed that what they have been discussing during the consultations were in the 10-page synthesis. There were even suggestions and hopes that it be translated to Cebuano when all of this is done.

The Church of the Poor

This is what the Archdiocese is aiming for, not only to become a Church for the poor but of the poor, therefore always practicing inclusivity as what must be. The Archdiocese would like the people to know and feel that everyone, from all walks of life is welcome in the church and are one with the church. To be poor, does not limit to being financially struggling, but by lack of faith and no strong relationship with God.

During the Metropolitan Synod Process last May 27, Friday at the Archbishop’s Residence, all 4 dioceses were represented and all 4 syntheses were read. After which, a discussion per group happened with these goals in mind:

1. Identify common themes/perspectives from the synodal experience
2. Draft a common vision and aspiration at a metropolitan level
3. Discern hindrances from fully becoming a Synodal Church
4. Appreciate and articulate our “DISTINCT DADITAMA” synodal practice for 4 decades.

No doubt there are commonalities among all 4 syntheses and these were the most common:

• Listening Church;
• Church of the Poor;
• Synodality within DADITAMA – pagka DADITAMA.

With these in mind, Metropolitan Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Edilberto Mahinay came up with a Framework as a guide for the metropolitan synthesis which will happen at the Diocese of Digos on June 7. It is indeed with great pride to everyone in the team that DADITAMA has been showing the spirit of the synod through all these years and that it will surely continue and improve.

(Photos by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mati)