IRD... A WAY OF REBIRTHING HOPE

STRENGTHENING INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE (IRD) PROGRAM FOR TRI-PEOPLE YOUTH…a way of rebirthing hope…
By: Sr. Lydia Sumampong, SFIC
Zambasuli Youth Coordinator

Most Rev. Martis S. Jumoad, DD of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan has challenged the ZAMBASULI Regional Youth Ministry to focus on strengthening the program of the inter-religious dialogue for the tri-people youth.

In the efforts to promote peace and dialogue among Christians, Muslims and Indigenous People, a ZAMBASULI 1st Tri-People Youth Peace Camp was launched last October 23-28, 2009 in Basilan. Indeed, it has provided a great impact to the young people like birthing a new hope and deepened their understanding that different faith and culture are not the hindrances to live in peace and harmony.

During the Regional Youth Meeting last April 3, 2009 at the Immaculate Conception Academy, Zamboanga City attended by the Youth Director of Archdiocese of Zamboanga, Fr. Jeff Taib, Coordinators and Youth Leaders of ZAMBASULI with the Diocesan Youth Formation Program Staff, the plans towards strengthening the IRD program in the four ecclesiastical territories were given focus. They are as follows:

1. Culture of Peace Seminar ( Schools & Parishes )
2. Tri-People Youth Peace Camp ( Parish and Prelature Levels)
3. Silsilah Summer Course ( Intensive and Special) Prelature Level
4. ZAMBASULI 2nd Tri-People Youth Peace Camp( ZAMBASULI Level)

However, the above suggested program of activities has still to be presented to the Tri-People Representatives in each Prelature/ Vicariate for consultation . This will be done in the respective Prelature within the month of June 2009.
The Coordinator in each Prelature/Diocese will decide as to when will be the consultative meeting be done.

On the other hand, WARM CONGRATULATIONS was extended to the following: Youth of the Prelature of Ipil for the success of their 25th BALIAKAG FESTIBAL last April 2009 and SUMMER YOUTH CAMP of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga held last April 17-18,2009 with the input on Zamboanga Youth Spirituality through Parish Youth Involvement shared by Rev. Fr. Adian J. Ruiz Jr.

Despite of the unpeace situation in Jolo, Sulu there is still a plan to hold the Youth Peace Camp to be sponsored by the Vicariate Youth Ministry.

The Diocesan Youth Formation Program, Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, sent 7 participants to the SILSILAH INTENSIVE COURSE on May 17-23 and 9 participants to the SPECIAL COURSE on May 24-30, 2009 at Silsilah Dialogue Program, Harmony Village, Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.

Good luck to the out going Youth Coordinators Sr. Bing Gunao, DC of Jolo Sulu, Noel Managbanag of Ipil and sincere gratitude to the MSPC-Youth Secretariate, peace partners and benefactors for their all-out- support to the peace program of the ZAMBASULI Youth Ministry.