Gail Abbie Matan
November 23, 2023

A spiritual milestone was made on November 18-19, 2023, at Mariapolis Center Tagaytay as 80 delegates from different religions and organizations unfolded this year’s planning retreat for UniHarmony Partners (UPM) of Manila with the theme “Celebration of Diversity: Spiritual Conversations.”

The event headed by the Focolare Movement emphasized the significance of unity and brotherhood by bringing differences and similarities in one room, altogether. The event delves into the heart of faith, belief, and love that defines the spirit of peace and harmony.

The first day was packed with a heartfelt introduction to Focalare Movement and the founder Chiara Lubich’s spirituality that has inspired millions of people. This was followed by Interreligious dialogues commenced by Venerable Miao Jing of Fo Guang Shan as she shared a message on how she lived interreligious life as a Buddhist.

Venerable Miao Jing expressed that the Interfaith community has grown through open conversations and a mutual goal towards unity, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, through the efforts made by everyone. Together with Buddha’s Light International Association Pasay Subchapter Dharma Sister Belinda Tantuco and Dz Ambros, the song of “We are family” was sung in English, Mandarin, Filipino and Italian.

Venerable Miao Jing expressed that the Interfaith community has grown through open conversations and a mutual goal towards unity, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, through the efforts made by everyone. photo／The Life News Agency

“The language of love speaks loudly and breaks barriers,” is what Mrs. Emanuela Carponi shared on how she lives with Interreligious dialogue with Hindus in India and how harmony can break barriers. Father Matteo Rebecchi then defined Dialogue as a Catholic with Muslims in Indonesia, “The translation of Dialogue is love. We love each other.”

Everyone was also touched upon visiting the PAG-ASA center, followed by UPM planning led by Prof. Bong Baybado. The first day ended with laughter, smiles, and hope as everyone shared their spirits through singing, dancing, and conversing with each other.

The second day commenced with a workshop on Dialogue given by Mrs. Tita Puangco, and a Video Presentation of the Golden Rule defined by different religions, with the same message for kindness, hope, and love. The day ended with a wrap-up session, sharing of impressions, and plans of action.

Together with Buddha’s Light International Association Pasay Subchapter Dharma Sister Belinda Tantuco and Dz Ambros, the song of “We are family” was sung in English, Mandarin, Filipino and Italian. photo／The Life News Agency

Among the participants, five Fo Guang Shan youth representatives led by Ms. Shena Pacano defined the event enthusiastically with the symbolism of rainbow, crayons, keys, and even eyeglasses – all were about the lessons they have learned in the fruitful event, by crayons that make the event colorful and fun, keys that open doors towards unity, eyeglass that makes everything bright and clearer, and rainbow that symbolizes hope.

Through this event, everyone was reminded of the strength of a bond that carries the spirit of love and unity, and that brotherhood and shared love will foster a world that inspires acceptance and diversity.

A spiritual milestone was made on November 18-19, 2023, at Mariapolis Center Tagaytay as 80 delegates from different religions and organizations unfolded this year’s planning retreat for UniHarmony Partners (UPM) of Manila with the theme “Celebration of Diversity: Spiritual Conversations.” photo／The Life News Agency