DCM: An expression of communion

With Fr. Ricardo Banzon, Fr. Rogelio Antalan, Fr. Paul Cunanan all from Davao, among others as convenors, the first Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao (DCM) Convention was held in Davao on February 6, 1973. The 43rd Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao Convention in the Archdiocese of Ozamis on February 18-20, 2019 is an expression of communion among the clergy.

Starting from just being counted by the fingers, the number of Mindanao clergy that now gather every year reaches to 500 and above. As the number increases, greater is the challenge for a more personal encounter and sharing with the limited number of days in this gathering from among the 5 ecclesiastical provinces of CaBuSTaM, DaDiTaMa, DOPIM, KidMaCo and ZamBaSulI. Whether this design will continue or that there may be an alternate of DCM by ecclesiastical provinces, the essence of communion must deepen.

“The priest must grow in his awareness of the communion existing between the various particular churches, a communion rooted in their very being as churches which make present in various places Christ’s one universal Church. This awareness of the communion of the particular churches will foster an ‘exchange of gifts,’ beginning with living and personal gifts, such as priests themselves.” (PDV 74)

Mary, Mother of Christ, guard priests in your heart and in the Church.