by harmonylink
Silsilah and the Dialogue with Creation Partners Movement (DCPM)
Last September 29, 2017, Silsilah launched the Dialogue with Creation Partners Movement as part of the ongoing effort to promote the four pillars of its spirituality of life in dialogue: Dialogue with God, Dialogue with the Self, with Others and with Creation.
The Dialogue with Creation has been always one of the focuses of dialogue in Silsilah giving special attention to “mother earth”. Because of this, Silsilah has a program of formation for organic farming, protection of the watersheds of Zamboanga, Plant, Care and Share program and other related activities. The last one was the Silsilah School of Dialogue with Creation, a program for five weeks. We presented what religions, especially Christianity and Islam, say about creation, the alarming reality of Climate Change, the international, national and local efforts done in this direction, etc. The last day of this Silsilah School on the occasion of the closing and the graduation, Silsilah launched the DCPM to give strength to the different efforts done up to now by Silsilah to invite others to join in this mission. The event was also the occasion to give Certificates of Recognition to three, among the more committed friends of Silsilah who have helped to fight with success against a mining company to enter the area of the Ayala watershed of Zamboanga. They are Atty. Cesar Jimenez, Atty. Laisa Alamia and Mrs. Ofelia Despalo. All of them have done a lot to help Silsilah and are close friends of the Movement.
In giving a special attention to this specific Pillar of Dialogue with Creation Silsilah came up the following.
· RATIONALE
The Silsilah Dialogue Movement, through the Dialogue with Creation Partners Movement (DCPM) invites partners: individuals, groups, institutions and communities to give a special attention to the spiritual, moral and social obligation to save together “Mother Earth, our common home.”
· OBJECTIVES
1. The partners have to “think globally and act locally” inspiring many through sharing of experiences and some agreed forms of advocacies together.
2. The partners have to move in the spirit of freedom and autonomy in this mission but always in the spirit of DCPM.
3. The partners will be encouraged to help each other according to the area of interest, like the advocacy of the Friends of the Zamboanga Watersheds, the Plant, Care and Share Program, the Holistic Health Care, etc.
· GOAL
To give special attention to spiritual, moral and social care for the earth as part of our mission to promote dialogue and peace among cultures and religions for the common good.
The new effort of the DCPM will be extended also to the other Silsilah Forums in Mindanao and Manila areas and it is open to welcome any committed individual, group or institution to be part of this new Movement.
It is our wish to make the DCPM an inspiring avenue for many who are willing to move and educate others in this important aspect of our life starting from a spiritual, moral and social understanding and commitment of dialogue with Creation, an important aspect of Dialogue to save our “Common Home”.
The start of the Dialogue with Creation Partners
We present here a new initiative of Silsilah that we call, DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS MOVEMENT. The following are the pillars of the spirituality of dialogue of Silsilah are: DIALOGUE WITH GOD, WITH THE SELF, WITH OTHERS AND WITH CREATION.
The Dialogue with Creation commitment has been in the past year, one of the more dynamic and challenging movements. We are especially challenged to protect the watershed of Zamboanga. We had worked to stop mining companies who entered Zamboanga. We have involved many friends and groups to do this advocacy in many ways.
Guided by the good results of the initiative that Silsilah has taken, starting in 2012 up to now, we promote the World Interfaith Harmony Week, an initiative of the United Nations in 2010 to promote the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor among people of different cultures and religions. We have been able to advocate through friends in politics to pass a republic act under the approval of President Benigno Aquino to introduce this celebration on national level. We have also asked the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to endorse this initiative in all dioceses and we have created partner groups in different parts of the country forming UNI HARMONY PARTNERS in different cities.
This success story of partnerships is something we wish to do again for the urgent need of the DIALOGUE WITH CREATION. This commitment is urgent when we consider the alarming situation of climate change and the strong invitation of Pope Francis in “Laudato si” ” and “Fratelli Tutti”.
We consider this time as a new beginning and a kind or relaunching of the DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS MOVEMENT. We already have a team of experts who are part of the core group of this new movement and partners from different groups, institutions and religions.
We can share more about this plan. Meanwhile, those who are interested in this partnership movement can express their solidarity and suggestions. Most probably, the special week of this celebration will be the first week of May every year.
We believe when the crisis is strong like the urgency to protect our Creation/Mother Earth the partnership becomes stronger. We are convinced that this partnership program have to be developed in areas and cities where partners can meet regularly and act together. This is the experience of the World Interfaith Harmony Week that we wish to apply for this specific concern, It will also help us to work together especially with people of different cultures and religions.
The beginning of the Dialogue with Creation Partners Week
On the occasion of the Second National gathering of the partners of the World Interfaith Harmony Week in Harmony Village, Zamboanga City, the participants decided to launch a new partners week called DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS WEEK to be celebrated by those who are sensitive to CREATION and MOTHER EARTH in the spirit of unity without barriers of cultures and religions.
A good number of the UNI Harmony Partners Zamboanga attended to the second national gathering with the participants who came from the Manila area and different parts of Mindanao. It was a big delegation from the Santo Tomas University and De La Salle University in Manila, together with the delegates from different parts of Mindanao, most of them are Silsilah Forum Coordinators. The participants have shared together the ongoing programs of the World Interfaith Harmony Week from different religions, as well as from different sectors of society. It was a great sign in this world that is becoming more conflictual, often using religions as a way to divide peoples.
The WIHW was promoted by the United Nations in 2010 focusing on the love of God, the love of neighbor and the love of common good.
We in Silsilah starting from Zamboanga City have introduced this initiative in Mindanao and other areas, including Manila, forming groups of partners that move in their own way and style, using the same logo and theme for the first week of February.
During the second national gathering in Zamboanga City, in April 28, together we decided to commit ourselves as UNI HARMONY PARTNERS to launch the DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS WEEK, choosing the first week in October as the week of the celebration. The choice of this week is connected to the fact that this week is already far enough for the WIHW in February and it is a week during school time and , by coincidence, coincide also with the time when we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, an icon of Dialogue with creation with his famous Canticle of Creation “LAUDATO SI.”
The spirit of this special week is to invite all who believe in the importance of DIALOGUE WITH CREATION and move as partner for one week celebration. Today, there are many initiatives on the local, national and international level that, in many ways and forms, promote dialogue with creation with different initiatives, like those who promote the “Season of Creation,” the ‘Laudato Si’ program, etc.
The DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS WEEK does not directly join to any of the initiatives, but encourage partners to be active in any group that each one or group feel that better answer to the DIALOGUE WITH CREATION mission. These guidelines help all of us to continue to involve ourselves to any group which promote love for “Mother Earth” and join together with other partners for one week celebration , from October 1-7.
For sure this special week will create a lot of challenges to do more and better in every place we are to continue to promote ” dialogue with Creation”. Based on this reflection the members of the WIHW together decided to:
The partners promoting world interfaith harmony week will celebrate the Dialogue with Creation Week every first week in October. The celebration highlights the need of dialogue with creation as an essential aspect of interreligious dialogue. The care for our common home is our shared goal and common responsibility. During this week, the interfaith community will organize series of activities/programs to celebrate the beauty of mother earth and the need to protect and care for our common home through the dynamics of dialogue with creation.
Objectives:
For the Interfaith community,
- To raise awareness about the emergency condition of mother earth.
- To organize activities as expressions of solidarity and dialogue with creation.
- To foster friendship and advance common action between and among the interfaith communities for the care of our common home.
For this year 2023 during the first week in October we will launch the partnership program identifying partners and together reflect and plan in order to start officially the celebrations of the DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS WEEK the first week in October 2024.
In presenting this new initiative on behalf of the delegates, Prof. Bong Baybado, Jr. from the University of Santo Thomas, said that we have to have the ability to “DREAM.” Dreaming, he said, is a form of prophetic attitude that we have to acquire and learn from those among us who are moving with this attitude of dreaming, to make this new dream of the DIALOGUE WITH CREATION PARTNERS WEEK a reality. Thus, we are called to “DREAM TOGETHER.”
Week of Prayer and Reflection for Harmony and Peace: Day 3
Rev. Fr. Danichi Hui
The Interreligious Dialogue Ministry-Quiapo Church in collaboration with the Silsilah Manila observes the 3rd day of the Week of Prayer and Reflection for Harmony and Peace.
Week of Prayer and Reflection for Harmony and Peace: Day 4
Week of Prayer and Reflection for Harmony and Peace: Day 2
Haji Ali Alawi WIHW2021
The Interreligious Dialogue Ministry-Quiapo Church in collaboration with the Silsilah Manila observes the 2nd day of the Week of Prayer and Reflection for Harmony and Peace.
WIHW 2021 PREPARATION
In preparation for the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2021, the UN Interfaith Harmony Partners-Zamboanga met via ZOOM to share some ideas on how to move together and this celebration meaningful in this “new normal” , to strengthen our friendship and to continue to promote the spirit of the WIHW as the leading group in the local and national level.
We hope to do significant activities together with the theme “Celebrating the Spirit of Harmony and Solidarity amidst COVID19
WIHW – LANAO
WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK 2020
SILSILAH FORUM LANAO
World Interfaith Harmony Week 2020
Training-Workshop on Interreligious Dialogue as a Path to Peace
In Celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2020
7 February 2020, Villa Lacida, Magoong, Linamon, Lanao del Norte
Session 1. Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace
In line with the WIHW celebration, Ms. Sanguila, the Silsilah Forum Lanao area Coordinator, emphasized the importance of Interreligious Dialogue. She shared her journey with Silsilah and her commitment to promoting Silsilah’s mission. Jamila encouraged the participants to appreciate the beauty of each religions and to propagate acceptance, understanding, and unity in the midst of divisions. In reflection, Jamila told the participants that Silsilah gave her a sense of purpose, direction, and humility. She then discussed Silsilah’s background, the Spirituality of Life-in-Dialogue, the Four Pillars, the conditions to enhance dialogue with the self, the qualities necessary to dialogue with others, and conditions to enhance dialogue with the creation. She also discussed the transformation to dialogue, obstacle to dialogue, and the reasons why we need to dialogue.
Four Pillars of Dialogue
Dialogue with God. Ms. Sanguila started her presentation by saying Silsilah’s quote that, “Dialogue starts from God and brings people back to God.” She explained it by saying, it is our individual conviction that we believed in God, confirming His/Her presence in our lives. He initiated this dialogue to us to get closer to him. God is everywhere. We may not see Him/Her, but He/She is with us always.
Structured activity: Letter to God. The participants were asked to watch a clip entitled, Grace by Laura Story. They were instructed to write down a line that moved/touched them. After the video ended, Jamila asked each one to share their reflection. Eight participants shared their reflection. After this, they were given a coloured paper. Jamila told the participants to use the paper in writing a “Letter to God.” This is a personal letter of appreciation, forgiveness, hope, and devotion. They were given 10 minutes and then the letters were collected and put in a sacred space for offering.
Dialogue with the self. Jamila continued the discussion by sharing her personal understanding on the topic, it is connecting with oneself. Saying hello and checking ourselves is vital. We cannot give what we do not have. So if we are at peace, it will surely reflect on our actions. If we are troubled, it will manifest on how we responded in a situation. Jamila reminded each of the participants that long before they became a mother or a father, they are once a single individual that has great love towards their selves. Now that they are mothers/wives or fathers/husbands they should love their selves even more to become more loving towards their children and spouses. They should look after the goodness and happiness they feel every single day. Appreciating what you have and loving the flaws in you will give you more contentment and comfort to one self. So every now and then, pour out love to one self so this love will return back to you in a million folds.
Structured Activity: Letter to the Self. The participants were given a coloured paper each. They were instructed to write a letter to their selves for 10 minutes. They were asked to imagine their selves 5 or 10 years from now, what their plans are and how they look at their selves. After the allotted time, the letters were collected and put in the sacred space.
Dialogue with Others
it is our relationship with other people. It is grounded in the pretext, “love thy neighbour.” As a pilgrim of dialogue, we need to remind ourselves to be good to others no matter how difficult the other person is. We must maintain a harmonious relationship with our family, friends, and other people.
Structured activity (Speaker-Listener-Observer). Photos were scattered in a table station. Participants were grouped by 3s. The groups were asked to check each pictures and each one must pick a photo that they could relate to. Each one must have a story to tell. The groups were then chose a station. Each one will take turns to be a speaker, a listener, and an observer. Each role is given a ground rule, and 5minutes is allotted to each role. After the said activity, three groups were called to share the whole experience.
Jamila then processed the said activity. The way we convey a message and listen intently to others is very important. Our responses will reflect on how we receive what other people is telling us. In our everyday lives, we need to practice the art of listening and be an observer. Following the conversation in silence will give you a clear understanding on what the other people is saying and with that, you will make the person feel that he/she is listened to. I think that is one of the most wonderful feeling, that you are heard. This will also reflect how we treat ourselves within and how we connect towards others. It is important that in dialogue, we have two ears to listen and a big heart to understand and all else will follow.
Dialogue with the Creations
The topic was presented by saying that it is our personal relationship with the Mother Nature. How we treat Her will result on how She will respond to us. We need to be shepherd of our environment. At the present, we are experiencing climate change, consumerism, use of GMO, cutting of trees that resulted to landslide.
Structured Activity. Jamila asked the participants to assemble at the sea side. They were divided into two groups and each were provided a paper bag. They were instructed to pick anything that they see while walking as far as they could along the stretch of the seaside. Marietta led one group and the others by Asrifah. When they came back, Jamila asked the participants to share their experience and present what’s inside their paper bags at the station area. Almost all of them picked some sea shells and a lot were plastics. A sad reality to witness that all of the paper bags were filled with garbage thrown or drawn towards the seaside. One of the participants reflected this and said, “This is our doing and with that we need to take part in taking care of our environment while we can so the next generation could fully enjoy it.” These plastic bottles could be recycled and re-used too. We need to be responsible enough of our actions. We need to remind ourselves that what is thrown, will surely come back at us just like the recent hurricane in Marawi City. Let us promote clean and green in our communities.”
Final Reflection
Jamila asked the participants to return to the station and were asked to voluntarily pick, and read the letter they made. Everyone were encouraged to share, inspire, and urge others to break the barrier of silence and welcome the openness and assertive expression of positive emotions. Many participants were emotional but they’re grateful that they’re one of the participants of the training workshop. They thanked God for all the blessings they received despite the challenges they’re facing every single day. They take pride of bouncing back and moving forward after what happened in Marawi in 2017. One of the participants said, “There’s no other way but to stand after every fall as long as God is with us, nothing is impossible.” Jamila gave her final message and appreciation to the participants and to her fellow alumni Asrifah and Marietta. Candles were distributed to the participants and they’re asked to offer prayers of healing, harmony, and unity. The Harmony Prayer song ended the session.
WIHW – MARAWI
WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK 2020
SILSILAH FORUM MARAWI 2020
WIHW MARAWI 2020
SILSILAH FORUM MARAWI LINK PERSONS
Ms. Ashrifah Paudac
Muslim Coordinator
Silsilah Forum Marawi’s 2nd celebration on World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2020 with the theme “Celebrating Dialogue towards Harmony” happened on February 03, 2020 in an open area Golf Course inside Mindanao State University Main Campus Marawi City where the ground zero zone can be seen. Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s), faculty and Silsilah Alumni joined the celebration. The program started with an ecumenical prayer given by Nelson Jimenez followed by the singing of the harmony song. Opening remarks, orientation on Silsilah Dialogue Movement and the background and recognition of World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration (February 1 to 7) was given by the Muslim coordinator Asrifah U. Paudac giving emphasis on the theme of WIHW 2020 celebration about the importance of dialogue in having and establishing harmonious relationship in a world, community or place where differences in religion, culture, beliefs, traditions and others exist. The participants then individually shared their experiences and journey living inside Marawi City. Participants shared that they have stayed in Marawi for a range of 30 years and more and had experiences on threat and discrimination (both Muslims and Christians) but as time went by, they started to encourage themselves to engage in dialogue to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings and this made living in harmony and peace with their neighbors (Muslims and Christians) possible. Through dialogue, they have established respect, love and good “family – like” relationship in their communities.
Special messages were given by Ms. Jamilah – Aisha Sanguila and Prof. Abubacar Ali. Prof. Abubacar shared that “it is good to hear stories from both sides, and as a Muslim living in Marawi this is very important as some shared experiences on discrimination and threat that they have experienced before with some of my fellow Muslims and vice versa but not all Muslims and Christians are bad. It’s good to know that majority have established good relationship with each other here in Marawi City. A harmonious relationship full of respect, forgiveness, love, acceptance which all started in a dialogue”.
Solidarity prayer then happened where in participants formed huge circle and offered a prayer for peace, healing and reconciliation for all people of Marawi. Participants offered their individual prayers of peace in silence followed by lighting their candles and placing it in a symbolic pail of water. Closing message was given by Mr. Godfrey Mordeno, the Christian coordinator and highlighted that “Sama sa kalayo sa kandila, mag continue pud ang atong mga commitment in participating and encouraging ourselves into dialogue in order to understand each other more and establish the harmony and peace that we want. The program ended with all participants singing the harmony song by heart. Calendars and lunch were then distributed to the participants.
“What we only need is to understand each other, to eliminate these biases and discrimination through acceptance and this emphasizes why dialogue is important, why engaging ourselves in actively participating in an interfaith dialogue is needed to deepen the understanding of each other’s differences, to respect, to love and have genuine peace. Indeed, when there is dialogue, living harmoniously in peace is possible”
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WIHW – ILIGAN
WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK 2020
SILSILAH FORUM ILIGAN
WIHW-ILIGAN 2020
SILSILAH FORUM ILIGAN LINK PERSONS
Mrs. Settie Sahara D. Mutia-Magumpara
Muslim Coordinator
Ms. Liezl Neri
Christian Coordinator
The first week of February is a special occasion for all Silsilah Family as we all join the entire World in its Celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The Silsilah Iligan has its own version of the Celebration. There was a Peace Forum with its partner the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao; it was attended by a couple of young professionals and college students from different colleges and departments.
The topic discussed were the four pillars of Dialogue and the significance of Youth in Dialogue and Peace Building. It was a dynamic forum with lively discussions from the Silsilah Iligan Family together with its partners and the participants of the said activity. It was a great opportunity to introduce Silsilah and its Vision-Mission to Iligan.