FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF EPISCOPAL COMISSION ON THE BIBLICAL APOSTOLATE

The Mahayag Experience 

March 8, 2015 Updates

The Marbel fever is still on for many participants in the recently held National Bible Workshop. It was the 21st with lots of memories and sharing of experiences among parishes, dioceses and regions. With the use of the Appreciative Inquiry method facilitated by Bp Rene Mayugba, the IPD team headed by Mr. Augusto Arguelles and the trainees in the September 11, 2015 workshop, we were able to identify our dreams and courses of action for this year and the years to come as we look forward to 2021, the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. A team was designated to spell out specific courses of action and methodologies relevant to the statement made after the workshop. The team will meet on Easter Wednesday after which the template agreed upon will be disseminated to you for reflection, action and integration in your respective places of  mission. A highlight in the video message of His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is the challenge to work along with other commissions to inspire everyone with the Word of God. 

Answering this challenge, the diocese of Pagadian held its First Gagmay ng Simbahanong Katilingban (GSK) or BEC Congress at the St. Michael Parish in Mahayag, Zambooanga del Sur on March 5-6, 2016 with 765 participants. They started with a parade of Bible verses around the town as early as 7:30 in the morning, followed by the Bible Enthronement. The theme “The Word of God and the Eucharist Strengthens the GSK” was elaborated through a three-hour lecture by the executive secretary of ECBA. The afternoon session was a delightful one by Bro. Noe Dora who spoke the language of the people. He narrated his struggles in searching for the truth which finally led him to the Catholic faith.  Although a former pastor he now embraces Catholicism and goes around to announce his discovery and conviction. His tales of woe related to his conversion moved many to tears but ended with smiles as he spiced his talk with anecdotes. He is the head minister of pastors converted to Catholicism and has expressed his desire and that of his group to be affiliated with ECBA.

It was amazing to observe the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants who came from different parishes some of whom stayed overnight for the celebration of the Eucharist and the open forum the next day. The church was not enough to contain all participants for like the loaves of bread and fish, there was a multiplication of people in attendance the following day.

Congratulations to their lay woman organizer Mrs. Remy Artiaga, the parish priest Rev. Fr. Ramonito Hilot and his assistant, Fr. Fred and of course to the diocesan coordinator, Rev. Fr. Salvador Banga and their diocesan lay coordinator, Mr. Pablo “Bong” Siasico and his very supportive wife Flor. Congratulations likewise to all participants for their attendance and participation.

The Spirit is moving in surprising and dumbfounding ways. Praise the Lord !