Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) - Silsilah Movement for Dialogue started 23 years ago in Zamboanga, Mindanao by an Italian PIME missionary Fr Sebastiano D’Ambra plans to intensify efforts for dialogue and peace in the country. Silsilah movement has a Harmony Village where Christians and Muslims live side by side. “Silsilah is on its way to celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009 Fr. D’Ambra told Fides. “We are boosting our communications and media structures to produce besides a printed bulletin also radio programmes and videos. We also have a programme to support emigrants who can be messengers of dialogue and peace. We export angels instead terrorists”, the missionary says
“We have five schools as part of our Emmaus Programme to educate children to peace and dialogue in school and in society. Another programme for young Christian and Muslim Filipinos, and consecrated Catholic women are working for peace in the Emmaus Community alongside Muslim Women for Dialogue and Peace movement.
On war torn island of Jolo a new Silsilah Centre was opened recently to promote reconciliation and social harmony.
Fr. D’Ambra explains that violence in the southern Philippines has intensified in recent months increasing the suffering of the people and also weakening efforts for dialogue. In this situation he intends to “persevere on the path of deepening our faith to the roots of the encounter with God which changes our attitude towards others ”.
“Silsilah” is a Sufi mystic word meaning “chain”. The movement promotes a spirituality of dialogue. Started in 1984, Silsilah over the years developed a 'dialogue of life' becoming a universal movement present in various other countries with a Harmony Chain. Members spend a regular period of time praying for peace, opening their hearts to God's plan and building a chain of harmony with peoples of different cultures and religions united in prayer. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/10/2007 righe 30 parole 324)
