Love for Bible Emphasized at DADITAMA Confab

THE Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate of Davao (ABAD) gathered 142 delegates composed of Bible formators, priests and sisters from the different sub-regions of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati (DADITAMA) at the Tonel Hall of the Ascension of the Lord Parish, July 25, 2015.

The resource speaker was Natividad B. Pagadut, PhD., the executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines.
Verbum Domini was composed since it was observed that many people no longer read or study the Word of God. Thus, the bishops decided to come up with the document to regain what was lost and to deepen the importance of the Word of God as part of the Church’s mission.

As explained, Verbum Domini is the result of the 12th Ordinary Synod of Bishops held in Rome on 2010. It has three divisions (a) Verbum Dei which talks on the God who speaks (b) Verbum in Ecclesia which is about the Word of God and the Church; and (c) Verbum Mundo on the Word of God in the world.

“The Word of God is not written for debate but for faith”, Dr. Pagubat emphasized. “Hindi naluluma ang Bibiliya dahil napapaloob dito ang universal human experience.” To deal with this, the new evangelization is needed as a technique to introduce it to the new generation. One way is to translate it for everybody’s access and understanding. “The most effective interpretation of the Word of God is to those who are changed by listening and reading of it”, she ended.

The event conluded with the thanksgiving message of Fr. Ritschie J. Gamaya, ABAD director. Fr. Gamaya said that he didn’t expect that they can gather a great number but, with the thirst for God’s word (Verbum Domini) and New Evangelization, church workers really came.

The event was organized by ABAD with Sis. Mila Punsalan as Coordinator assisted by various coordinators from Tagum – Sis. Lorna L. Baltazar, Religious Sisters – Coordinators in Digos, Sr. Susanna L. Reyes, OND-Mati, and Sister Belen R. Suemith, LGC. (Ascension Parish SocCom | Butch Andama)