DMII, One with the Church as Davao Archdiocese Turns 75

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate International (DMII) had just concluded its regular Archdiocesan Assembly in January 6, 2024 and had the theme “DMII, One With The Church In Celebrating 75 Years Of The Archdiocese”. The Assembly was opened with a Concelebrated Mass with Davao Auxiliary Bishop, Most Reverend Bishop George B. Rimando, the Main Celebrant, together with Reverend Monsignor Julius Rodulfa, Rev. Fr. Marbindear Morallas, and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Gonzaga, the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish where the Assembly was held and was hosted by the DMII Circle of the said parish.

In a message by Msgr. Julius Rodulfa who graced the short program that followed, he mentioned that the Assembly’s theme resonated the theme of the Archdiocese of Davao in its coming 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration on November 30 this year. He explained that the theme, “Journeying Together As A Synodal Church Living Out The Spirituality Of Stewardship In Our GKKs” poses invitation to everyone in the Archdiocese to participate in the journeying together where DMII plays a significant part. He added that the DMII numbering to sixteen (16) circles in the Archdiocese has to contemplate being one in the journey in the spirit of discipleship by way of “remembering the past with gratitude, in living the present with enthusiasm, and in looking forward to the future with confidence”. These are the three main objectives to achieve in a nine-monthlong preparation for the Diamond Jubilee which will commence on February 22 and will culminate on November 30, the Monsignor explained. He also reminded the DMII to continue imbibing the spirituality of stewardship as exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Perfect Steward. At the launching of the Jubilee on the month of February, Msgr. Rodulfa encouraged everyone to include all apostolates as DMII in meeting the workplan for the month. Explaining in detail he said that in the New Evangelization, new methods and expressions employing social media and technology through shared experiences among the clergy and the lay in the consultations forum is desired with the end view of bringing about new fervor in catechesis and evangelizing efforts.

The program was concluded with Rev. Fr. Marbindear Morallas leading the Assembly to a short reflection on “gratitude” in the context of Mary’s Magnificat. He encouraged the DMI in their experience of gratitude (derived from Latin word gratia) to become instruments of love to others. It is his hope and prayer that the DMII in their continued devotion to Mary may emulate her example of stewardship expressed in her fiat or her “yes” to God entrusting her His saving plan through His Son borne of her. (Cynthia Chu)