A programme for peace

In Basilan the Church’s mission is to promote peace, especially among children and young people. Almost half the people of the Territorial Prelature of Isabela de Basilan are aged under 24. Most of them have lived their childhood under the shadow of war and violence. Their island home forms part of the Mindanao archipelago, which for decades has been terrorised by fundamentalist Islamist groups. Roughly a quarter of the 400,000 inhabitants are Christians. Their spiritual leader, Bishop Leo Magdugo Dalmao has launched a three-year programme in the 10 parishes and 87 outstations of the prelature to spread the spirit of the Gospel in even the smallest of communities. Thus they are bringing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control (cf. Gal 5:22). Some of the young people are being trained by the priests and Sisters to be group leaders, so they can go into the villages and work in the same spirit, spreading peace. This year we have promised AUD$14,000 towards the cost. 

Featured Image: Preparing for mission, despite the crisis: Sisters at work. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need.

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