Stewards of Synodality: Role of Consecrated Men and Women in the Evangelization of Davao

Catholic religious missionaries play a significant role in the evangelization of the Davao region. With a history of Catholicism dating back to the Spanish colonial era (17th and 18th century), missionaries have been instrumental in spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church throughout the region. Among the early missionaries were the Augustinian Recollects and the Jesuits, who worked for the conversion, catechism and the building of the early churches. There were also engaged in the defending the people from injustice and oppression from colonial conquistadores. These missionaries were also involved through time in interfaith dialogue and ecumenism with other Lumads, Muslim and Christian denominations. Later on, as the Christian communities grew, other missionaries like the PME and Maryknoll Fathers, including other religious missionaries who came later, continued the work of evangelization through sacramental and pastoral ministries, making the Catholic Church of Davao a vibrant, resilient, and robust center of Catholic faith in Southern Mindanao.

Missionaries often served as educators, providing schools and educational opportunities for the local population. By establishing schools and educational programs, missionaries can reach out to young people and impart both religious teachings and academic knowledge. This can help shape the values and beliefs of the community while also improving access to education for the residents of Davao. These are some of the institutions: University of Immaculate Conception run by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), San Pedro College, belonging to the Dominican sisters, various Catholic schools under the Presentation of Mary (PM), and the Jesuits’ Ateneo de Davao University.

Additionally, missionaries often engage in social services and charitable work, providing much-needed support to the disadvantaged and marginalized members of society. This can include running orphanages, healthcare facilities, and other programs that benefit the community. Among the religious, the Missionaries of Charity run a center for the elderly and an orphanage. By demonstrating compassion and care for those in need, marginalized and outcast, these missionaries can attract new followers and foster a sense of community and support within Davao.

More importantly, with its thrust towards building a more participatory and empowered Church based on the Basic Ecclesial Communities, the Gagmay’g Kristohaniong Katilingban (GKK), many religious groups like the Society of Divine Word (SVD), Franciscans, Blessed Sacrament Fathers have been doing much effort in support to this paradigm of being a Church today.

Furthermore, missionaries play a key role in organizing and leading religious services and ceremonies, such as Masses, sacraments, and other forms of worship. Several religious sisters like the Benedictines, Teresian Daughters of Mary, Carmelites and Servants of the Blessed Sacrament among others, provide spiritual support for renewal of faith. Many of them are also working closely with the parishes. By providing spiritual guidance and support, these missionaries help deepen the faith of the local population and encourage individuals to become more involved in the Catholic Church.

As the Archdiocese of Davao celebrates its 75th foundation anniversary, the religious communities in the Davao region have been in support and are contributing to the ongoing mission of local Church towards a synodal, stewardship and pastoral service. While there is more to do and areas to improve on, especially in the outreach to the peripheries, the desire and passion to collaborate and assist to their parish priest and the bishops have been at the heart of all consecrated men and women in Davao.

Overall, the role of Catholic religious missionaries in the evangelization of Davao is multifaceted, encompassing education, social services, spiritual guidance, and community outreach. Missionaries in Davao continue to have a significant impact on the religious and social landscape of the region, helping to joyfully spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and teachings of the Catholic Church and provide support to those in need. As Pope Francis said “Evangelization in this time of great social transformations necessitates a missionary outreach Church, capable of discernment in order to measure up to the different cultures and visions of man…It is He Who gives us the strength to undertake the missionary path and the joy of proclamation.” (Pope Francis’ address to Pontifical Mission Society, May 9, 2014). (Fr. Kim Lachica, S.J.)