World Interfaith Harmony Week Celebrations in the Philippines
We received news of the participation of Xaverian seminarians in the Philippines celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
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| Seminarians of the Xaverian Missionaries participating at the Sikh Temple |
The Sikhs are famous for their open kitchen as part of their spiritual practice so the group was able to experience sitting on the floor and being served with the deliciously spicy Indian food. After the physical bodies were fed, food for the spirit was then served as they were toured inside the worship hall of the temple and were oriented to the basic teachings of the Sikh faith. At this point they were joined by Peacemakers’ Circle members who are seminarians from the Xaverian Missionaries (Catholic) and who were also participating in the visitation.
This was followed by the highlight of the program: the Muslim and Christian youths then offered their gift of friendship– a Muslim Maranao traditional dance called Singkil. The performance was warmly and heartily received by everyone. The deep feeling of gratitude and oneness spontaneously broke into a community song: We Are One Family.
At the Bahaí Center in Malate, Manila, the group were warmly welcomed by the Baha’i’ community, in particular their youths. The short program started with interfaith prayers led by UMCPA elders, Pres. Eric Tomarompong (Muslim) and Nay Loreta Borlongan (Christian), while a youth sang a Bahaí prayer. After a brief orientation on the Bahai Faith and an explanation about the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration, introductions were made around the circle.
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| View more photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079508&id=1376771160&l=f6f470fc2a |