Awarded the prestigious “Bishop Jorge Barlin Golden Cross,” Father Sebastiano D’Ambra has been recognized by the Catholic Church in the Philippines for his outstanding work in fostering peace and harmony between Christians and Muslims in Mindanao through the Silsilah Movement.
Written By Francesco Ricupero
With a dedicated mission to cultivate understanding and dialogue amongst different faiths in Mindanao, Father Sebastiano D’Ambra’s efforts have been acknowledged and celebrated by the Catholic Church in the Philippines.
A member of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), Father D’Ambra is the visionary behind the interreligious Silsilah Movement.
The “Bishop Jorge Barlin Golden Cross” award pays homage to the legacy of the first Filipino priest consecrated as a bishop in the Catholic Church back in 1906.
During the recent Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference on July 7, Father D’Ambra, a Sicilian native aged 82, was honored with this esteemed award. Not long ago, he also received the “Don Santoro” award from the Diocese of Rome.
Having dedicated over four decades as a missionary in the Philippines, Father Sebastiano shared insights on his evangelizing work in the Asian archipelago and the impactful initiatives propelled by the Silsilah Movement.
Q: What was your reaction to receiving this award?
“I am delighted, especially because the Church in the Philippines has not only acknowledged my efforts but also the various dimensions that have emerged from my work over the years. In my initial years on mission, I played a role in peace negotiations as a mediator between rebel groups and the military. It was a challenging period that concluded through dialogue, although I faced personal struggles with the military that eventually led to my departure from the Philippines in 1981,” Father Sebastiano reflected.
During this time, I delved deep into the realm of interfaith dialogue with Islam. Upon my return to the Philippines in 1983, I proposed the Silsilah Movement, bridging the gap between Muslims and Christians, initiating collaborative efforts in 1984,” Father Sebastiano explained.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines then acknowledged the “Emmaus Dialogue Movement” established in 1987 by Father Sebastiano, a movement uniting diverse individuals such as lay people, clergy, and youth.
Q: Did you anticipate this recognition?
“I did not anticipate it, but I am aware that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines closely follows our endeavors. Hence, they chose to bestow this award upon me,” Father Sebastiano shared.
Q: How did you foster peace and dialogue in Mindanao?
“The journey was arduous, and we faced numerous challenges from the onset. As a PIME missionary, I sought to embody the Second Vatican Council’s principles on dialogue, integrating it into the mission’s ‘New Ways of Mission’,” Father Sebastiano recounted.
Commencing his work during a tumultuous period in Mindanao with martial law and heightened violence between Christian and Muslim communities, Father Sebastiano navigated through uncharted waters as an advocate for peace and understanding.
Reflecting on the obstacles encountered along the way, Father Sebastiano emphasized the evolving landscape in Mindanao and the critical role of ongoing dialogue and cooperation in building a harmonious future.
Q: Are you content with the progress achieved?
“Over the years, we have witnessed numerous milestones amid challenges and misunderstandings. While initial prejudices and suspicions prevailed, we observe a growing interest in the Church’s mission, albeit with pockets of resistance,” Father Sebastiano shared.
Q: What is the current situation in Mindanao?
“The scenario is complex, with the government making varied interventions including peace agreements and proposals for autonomous administration in Muslim-majority regions. Despite internal divisions among Muslim factions, the Church’s Synodal path plays a pivotal role in fostering unity,” Father Sebastiano explained.
Q: What were the primary challenges you encountered?
“Commencing with service to Christian communities, I eventually gravitated towards working with Muslims as a peace mediator amidst escalating conflicts. Despite setbacks and personal tragedies, including an attack in 1981 prompting my return to Italy, my engagement with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Bishop-Ulama Conference reinforced my commitment to dialogue,” Father Sebastiano recounted.
From serving tribal groups and embracing diverse communities, Father Sebastiano’s unwavering dedication underscored the transformative power of dialogue in fostering peace and reconciliation.
Q: Do you envision strengthening harmony in Mindanao? What potential challenges lie ahead?
“As dialogue evolves and expands, propelled by the synodal journey, prospects for enhanced harmony emerge. Nevertheless, amidst global uncertainties, including episodes of violence, sustaining peace remains imperative,” Father Sebastiano acknowledged.
Q: Any forthcoming initiatives planned?
“The Silsilah Movement’s enduring initiatives, including the Summer Course for Muslims and Christians, reflect our commitment to nurturing dialogue and leadership. Upholding a culture of dialogue, we seek to empower individuals to transcend boundaries and contribute meaningfully to society,” Father Sebastiano detailed.
Q: Are you actively engaged with the Islamic leaders?
“Our interactions with the Islamic community have been positive, with the Silsilah Movement transcending religious divides to foster universal brotherhood. Despite the presence of extremist groups, our mission persists in the spirit of benevolence,” Father Sebastiano emphasized.
Q: Could the Silsilah Movement serve as a model for regions grappling with tensions?
“As initiatives such as the Silsilah Movement gain traction, the potential to inspire peace in conflict zones becomes evident. Demonstrating the shared love and aspirations uniting humanity, our pursuit of dialogue and harmony continues to resonate across nations, eliciting hope for a better tomorrow,” Father Sebastiano affirmed.
“In every heart, there lies a corner of peace. It is with this unwavering belief that I march forward on my mission,” Father Sebastiano concluded.
