Santosh Digal

A member of Silsilah, a joint Muslim-Christian group that promotes interfaith dialogue, says that 40 years of conflict in Mindanao have led Christians and Muslims to mistrust one another. Only teaching the young about the value of dialogue and non-violence can real, lasting peace be achieved.

From November 26 to 27 over 2500 will gather in Imus near Manila for the fifth Asian Youth Day. Prayer vigils and formation courses have been organized by various delegations to better prepare themselves for the event. Now in its fifth edition, the AYD has for years been an opportunity for young people to understand the importance of the Catholic faith in countries with severe political, social and religious problems.

Across the Philippines a number of initiatives are being undertaken for the ‘Year for Priests’. Through days of prayer, fasting and fund raising, priests and lay people are bearing witness to society of their meeting with Christ, inviting young people to offer their lives in the service of God and the Church.

Bishop Lucilius Quiambao protests against the project for a giant shopping mall in Albay, south of Manila, which includes a casino. It will cost over 250 million euros and aims to attract tourists to the area. For the bishop it will "destroy the moral fiber of our community."

In its report published on 25 August, Amnesty International criticizes the military and MILF and focuses on the humanitarian disaster caused by the conflict. In major cities in the region the peace dialogue sessions between representatives of the Church and Islamic associations continue.

In the Philippines and across Asia the scourge of AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate. In this context, the work of the Church to control the spread of the virus is to educate the population to marital fidelity and chastity, condemning the false myth of free and safe sex promoted by society and media.

Returning to the pope’s encyclical, the archbishop of Manila reaffirms the need for an economy that develops mankind integrally and a society based on the Christian values of charity and love.

Lilian, a teacher originally from Mindanao converted to Islam, told AsiaNews about her experience and condemns the violence committed by Islamic separatist groups. Only a dialogue devoid of ulterior motives between the military and the MILF and the economic development of the whole population can lead to the conclusion of the conflict.

Present in the Philippines since 15 August 1909 the Society of the Divine word is now the largest religious community in the country. For superiors the anniversary is an occasion to appreciate the fruits of their work and through the Word of God enrich the land of their mission.

The Philippine army offensive against Abu Sayyaf puts into question the resumption of talks with MILF. Government and the World Food Program aid to refugee camps inadequate aggravating conditions for over 12 thousand refugees. Five deaths from disease in recent weeks. Harsh criticism of the bishops who want a definitive ceasefire between Philippine army and MILF.

In the Year for Priests renewed the commitment of the laity to support the crisis of vocations. In a scenario that sees fewer and fewer young people willing to serve God and the Church, the relationship between parents and children becomes the first step to form the faith and future priests.

For Fr Leo S Pepito, building up “interpersonal relations” must go hand in hand with political efforts and socio-economic development. The promotion of a “dialogue for life” is part of the Catholic Church’s mission.