Expressions of Spirituality among the Faith-based Lay Groups in the Philippines

A webinar on “Expressions of Spirituality among the Faith-based Lay Groups in the Philippines” was held last March 19, 2022 with Dr. Pablito Baybado, associate professor of the Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Seventy (70) participants from different congregations and institutions attended in this webinar with some participants attending as a group.

The webinar highlights the importance of laypeople in the church and the need for humility and mutual understanding in interfaith dialog. It also shares the story Bishop Benvenido, who advocated for reconciliation and self-emptying (kenosis) in interfaith relations. The discussion also touched on the challenges and opportunities in interfaith dialog, including the role of local governments and the need for transformative education.

Bishop Benvenido\’s Spirituality and Approach

• Professor Pablito Baybado sets the context for his personalized presentation on expressions of spirituality among faith-based lay groups in the Philippines.
• He shares the story of Bishop Benvenido, emphasizing his sensitivity and approach to spirituality.
• Bishop Benvenido\’s belief that God speaks through all things, including flowers and Muslim brothers and sisters, is highlighted.
• Professor Baybado discusses the theology of dialog based on Muslim-Christian experiences in Mindanao.
• The importance of recognizing the Spirit at work in diverse religious and cultural traditions is emphasized.

Theology of Dialog and Spiritual Sensitivity

• Professor Baybado explains the theology of dialog and the concept of the Spirit at work in Asia, as articulated by the Federation of Asian Bishops\’ Conference (FABC).
• The need for sensitivity and empathy in interfaith and interreligious dialog is discussed.
• He shares his experiences working with various religious communities and the importance of understanding and experiencing their joys and anxieties.
• The role of the church as a reconciler and the importance of self-emptying (kenosis) in dialog are emphasized.

Bishop Benvenido\’s Journey and Legacy

• Professor Baybado recounts Bishop Benvenido\’s journey to Rome to study Islam and his meeting with Pope Paul VI.
• The significance of Bishop Benvenido\’s mission to Marawi as the first bishop and his approach to dialog of life is discussed.
• He highlights the importance of accompaniment and mutual enrichment in dialog.
• The cycle of reconciling presence and the need for constant rearticulation and restructuring in dialog are emphasized.

Challenges and Opportunities in Interfaith Dialog

• Professor Baybado discusses the challenges of interfaith dialog, including mutual prejudices and negative biases.
• The importance of understanding and acknowledging the other\’s faith and culture is emphasized.
• He shares his experiences working with various religious communities and the need for a platform for common action.
• The role of the church in promoting reconciliation and the importance of humility in dialog are highlighted.

Open Forum and Participant Questions

• Participants discuss the ongoing projects in Muslim areas and the challenges of interfaith dialog.
• Professor Baybado responds to questions about the involvement of local governments in interfaith dialog and the importance of friendship in dialog.
• The need for the church to lead by example and the importance of transformative education and catechesis are emphasized.