This year marks many milestones for us in the Philippines and the whole world. There is so much to be thankful for after surviving the pandemic after almost three years. In April 2022, Filipinos concluded the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines with its theme Gifted to Give. Connected with this celebration, we also commemorated the quincentennial of the first circumnavigation of the world (instigated by Magellan in 1519 and completed by Elcano in 1522), a historic feat that proved the world is round.
Another milestone in history is the 50th anniversary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) with its theme “Journeying Together as Peoples of Asia.” Since its coming to the Far East, the Focolare has made its own the vision of a “triple dialogue” the FABC has asserted as a pathway for the Church in Asia: Dialogue with the Peoples (especially the poor), Cultures and Religions of Asia. This is also in sync with our local Church’s efforts, in the spirit
