November 21, 2020, Cebu City, Philippines. As the year of ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue comes to an end, it was fitting that the office of the Social Communication of the Philippine South Province (FIS) of the Salesians of Don Bosco have organized the online conference “In Dialogue With Brothers”.
Through the initiative of the SocCom delegate, Rev. Fr. Keith Amodia, more than 300 Zoom participants from the different Salesian schools, seminaries, and institutions came together to expand each other’s horizons to the realities of boundaries bridged with a dialogue of life towards fraternity. Three religious speakers with different enriching experiences were invited to share their stories. Namely, they were Fr. Carlos Avenido from the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata (CSS); Fr. Adventus Borgias, a Salesian from Indonesia; and Fr. Rodil Lladone, a Salesian who is in the Holy Land.
After each sharing, Bosconians from different Don Bosco schools (DBTI-Victorias, SLS-DB, and DBTC) gave their reactions, clarifications, and questions to the speakers. Other participants likewise raised their questions through the Q&A chatbox that was monitored and facilitated by the emcees.
Aspirant Vince Joseph Pedrola gave the synthesis to wrap up the three sessions. Three take away points were highlighted. The first is about the fundamental meaning of inter-religious dialogue, the second is about the application of inter-religious dialogue, and lastly, about the authentic Christian charity expressed through Listening, Time, and Presence (LTP). He concluded by encouraging the participants to engage in inter-religious dialogue as we gear towards coexisting in harmony and peace under our common identity as children of God despite our diversity.
The entire event was concluded by Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, the Provincial Superior of the FIS. He challenged the participants to go out from their comfort zones and make use of the knowledge imparted through the conference.
by: Aspirant Vince Joseph Pedrola
