Deepening the theme of Community Project of Life in journeying with the youth and interreligious dialogue, the theologate community of the Xaverian Missionaries in the Philippines received a great grace along with the celebration of Extraordinary Missionary month. The Extraordinary Missionary Month is an invitation from the Pope, by the baptism, we are sent. In this light, the Catholic Church in the Philippines dedicated themselves to ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and indigenous people.
"Thy will be done". We give thanks to the Lord because we could organize a special event of Interreligious dialogue in St. Francis Xavier Parish on October 12/2019. The topic was 'Islam: Religious and Spiritual Concept' by Isnihayah Binumbaran. More than 100 participants attended the dialogue. Among them are youths, parishioners, and religious people.
In this chance, Ms. Isnihayah and her companion shared their faith, experiences as Muslim women, relationship with other religions, and their way to live Islamic value. Ms. Isnihayah emphasized the importance of being Muslim that is their relationship with Allah. If someone has a good relationship with Allah and understand the meaning of being Islam, he or she will only focus on Allah's will. He/she will not be distracted by the unnecessary things in the world and their heart will be fixed on God. Therefore, whoever does the will of Allah they will do good things not only for Allah but also in their relationship with everyone.
According to many attendances, the question and answer section was a great chance to understand deeper about the life of the Muslim family. The attendance did not only ask many questions about Islam as a religion but also shared their experiences when they encounter Muslim people. People might be afraid of the terror made by radical and fundamental people, but peace and love are there to practice and share with others. Peace and love are more beautiful than terror and sadness.
In the end, interreligious dialogue is not only a chance to know what other people believe in, but it is also a chance to understand, to live together, to share, and to make real good values in the world. Also, we need to give thanks that in the spirit of Extraordinary Missionary Month and journeying with the youth and interreligious dialogue we could find a great value of living together in diversity.
