“Dialogue means total giving of oneself. It starts from God, and brings people back to God.”
These words marked in my mind as I recall the very 1st Life-In-Dialogue Youth Camp that
I’ve attended here in Mindanao, last October 20-22, 2011 at King Mars Garden Mintal, Davao City.
The 1st LID-YC is a gathering of young Muslims and Christians from the different schools and
communities in Davao. The camp was organized by Silsilah Forum of Davao, with Fr. Hermes Larry
Sabud,SM (Christian Coordinator) and Ms. Nor Asiah Adilao (Muslim Coordinator).
Silsilah is an Arabic word derived from Sanskrit which literally means “chain or link”. The
movement uses the word “Silsilah” as a “spiritual chain of humanity” as created by one God. It envisions a Life-In-Dialogue for all Muslims, Christians, and peoples of other living faith in respect, trust, and love for one another and moving together towards a common experience of harmony, solidarity and peace.
On the opening ceremony of the camp, Archbishop Fernando Capalla gave us some tips that we ought to acquire: the quality presence of oneself and the eagerness to learn within the camp, and the power of listening with the heart, with the words, its meaning, and with the person speaking Abp. Capalla also emphasized the attitude towards the interfaith dialogue of friendship. He stressed that listening with the heart is important, for without listening; words lose their meaning. Without listening; speaking cannot heal, and without solitude, one cannot share his very self to others. Subsequently, we had our groupings. At first, everyone seemed different but in one way or another, the dialogue just began.
As we commenced in a unique way through a significant object that symbolized our individuality, we also discussed the reality bites of the Mindanao Youth nowadays. We realized that the “family” has a big impact or role as to what the youth of today are. As days went by, we came to know the different customs and traditions among Muslims and Christians, and we fully appreciated what dialogue was all about.
The LID Camp created a venue for us to listen, pray, learn, play, and to be
enriched with our commonalities and differences.The activity truly built-up friendship founded with
faith among our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters, understanding the basic foundation of
the spirituality of Life-In-Dialogue, and being an active witness of dialogue and peace.
Life-In-Dialogue is a great key to broaden up peace with our fellow brothers and sisters whether Muslim, Christian, or Lumad they may be, and to end up chaos and discrimination that impedes harmony and unity among the people.
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