Pilgrims of Hope in Ancestral Domain

The Church once again affirms its commitment of living in dialogue of faith and culture with the Indigenous Peoples, in the light of synodal path as we rejoice the 48th Indigenous People’s Sunday with the theme Lakbay-Laya: Pilgrims of Hope in Ancestral Domain. We are gathered once again as a community of peoples to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, wisdom and lasting spirit of the Indigenous Peoples.

Ancestral domain is the totality of the life of Indigenous Communities. It is their sacred space where culture and identity shape the way their lives are lived. The theme invites us all to journey with the Indigenous Peoples in the conservation and protection of ecology, which Pope Francis said in Laudato Si “the relationship between human life and the moral law which is inscribed in our nature and is necessary for the creation of a more dignified environment”.

Albeit, this journey together is coupled with profound challenges amidst exploitation of ancestral lands, destruction of natural forests, quarrying and mining which denudes land, conversion of natural habitats into tourism which resulted into internal displacements reveals deep wounds against nature.

Ecological restoration is a call for personal conversion, which requires the acknowledgement of errors, sins, faults, and failures towards heartfelt repentance and desire to change. There is a need to have an inner change of heart, LS 218.

The journey may be full of challenges, but we are also reminded to celebrate the goodness and the love of God bestowed upon us, which are very evident in the beauty of nature we are still continuously enjoying, despite all calamities and disasters. Our action response is to renew our commitment towards integral ecology, and be liberated from the pangs of selfishness, pay ecological debt and recognize Indigenous Peoples Rights and welfare, and their role as frontliners in caring for our common home.

We walk together in this synodal journey towards freedom, justice and peace with all God’s creation.