Communion

Every three years since 1971, one concrete manifestation of communion among local churches in Mindanao is the so called Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC). On its 16th this time, MSPC returns to Davao where it was first held here.

The sub-region of DaDiTaMa (Davao, Digos, Tagum, Mati) with Metropolitan See of the Archdiocese of Davao headed by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. in communion with the local government of Davao headed by City Mayor Sarah Z. Duterte-Carpio happily welcome the close to 300 delegates from the sub-regions of KidMaCo (Kidapawan, Marbel, Cotabato), DOPIM (Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan, Marawi), ZamBaSulI (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Ipil) and CaBuSTaM (Cagagayan, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Malaybalay).

We pray that, “In a special way we shall probe into our efforts of making the parish a communion of communities, a communion of Basic Ecclesial Communities and of covenanted faith-communities and ecclesial movements. We shall discern and implement measures on how communities of consecrated life may be more integrated into the life and mission of the parish. In brief, our focus will be the building of a parish that is truly a faith community immersed in the lives of its people.” (CBCP Pastoral Letter)

We also hope for a communion which goes beyond the confines of the Church as we reflect on our relationship and ministry with the Indigenous Peoples and with other religions, like our Muslim brethren.

May Our Lady of Fatima journey with the delegates and the working committees of MSPC XVI.