AROUND THE TABLE

Many months ago, I had been reading series of documents about the 800 centenaries of St Dominic de Guzman. It was like a reminisce and a living-it-out today invitation to what was the very example St Dominic lived in his time. Most of the Dominicans did reflect and shared the thoughts and experiences around the globe. In fact, young Dominicans are to gather this year in Caleruega, Spain to imbibe such spirit fraternally.

Also, these past few days, we had the privileged visit of our two sisters who both are general councilors: Geraldina Caspedes and Marie Claire Silatchom. It is one of those moments where we sat at table to relish the richness of a Dominican missionaries and that of envisioning a presence as Dominicans in a diverse and contextual reality.

We have gained a lot of insights from the visit and have shared with them the joy and challenges of our present mission. Living in Basilan is a beautiful experience not merely because of its complexity and as a multi-cultural hub in each apostolate, but an invitation to see within us the identity of the Master we serve as we mix ourselves up on this island as an MDR mission. John 13:35 “people will know that you are Jesus’ disciples if you love one another sincerely and fervently”.

The table we share in this island is filled with cups of joy and of hope but is often called upon to interreligious collaboration for peace, coupled with uncertainty for its vulnerability to atmospheric and economic challenge. Yet, the Lord of the storms has always swayed our boats along “schools of fish” who animate us to see in their eyes the challenge of working with the least. Our spirits are filled with joy as we traverse through mangroves, waves and low tides at the end of each journey. 

Unlike in St Dominic’s days, he traversed thru hills and cities in the different challenges of season Europe has. Our reality in Asia is as alarming due to the interminable challenge of typhoons, floods if not insurgency. Yet, these situations have brought us closer to sharing our table: of meals, of strivings and of solidarity in the circumstances we live in.

Yet, the opportunity we shared with our sisters during the visit was indeed a blessing as we saw the joy of solidarity, they manifested each time we open the reality of our lives here, with the people we work… How they esteemed the people we live and work with! Those moments were meant to last, indeed, engraved with fire!

We believe that our Father Dominic de Guzman continues to inspire us with the Charism of our Founders Ramon and Ascension to reach out, in and out of season, to be with our brothers and sisters while living the challenge and richness of community life as source of strength and serenity to continue opening ourselves to the grace of God on the boat with those who sail to find life and light.

Let us strive to see with new lenses, where is the new route in which Dominic calls us continually to sit with others? How can we share tables with those who have no homes, no family or those who believe that there is no future?

COMMUNTIY OF BEGANG