1.
INTERNAL SITUATION
The Bible is one
of the four characteristic dimensions of the Society of the Divine Word.
Hence, the Biblical Apostolate Office was established in the SVD Philippine Southern
Province (2003) in order to coordinate the biblical initiatives and activities
of the entire Province especially in its three identified apostolates, namely,
education (in University of San Carlos [Cebu City] and Holy Name University
[Tagbilaran City] and Liceo del Verbo Divino [Tacloban City]), formation
(formation house for Brothers [Cebu City] and for Clerics [Davao City], and
pastoral ministries [Parishes in Agusan del Sur, Surigao City, Zamboanga
Sibugay, and Bohol]). The Biblical Apostolate Coordinator is part of the team
of coordinators for the SVD Characteristic Dimensions (Comunication, Mission
Animation and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation [JPIC]) led by the
Provincial Superior. The Biblical Apostolate Office is at the Divine Word
Mission Center, Cebu City.
Formation of the Biblical Apostolate Team
A team composed of
representatives from the three different indentified apostolates of the SVD
Philippine Southern Province was formed to ensure coordination and to facilitate
the implementation of the programs of the Biblical Apostolate. So far
meetings have been held; the design of the programs is on the way.
Reading the Word
An initiative is
currently undertaken, started in 2010, to integrate the reading of the Word in
the classroom activities of the schools under PHS. Through the University
Chaplains and the Campus Ministry Office, teachers are encouraged and enjoined
to read the Gospel for the day at the beginning of each lecture/class in lieu
of the usual spontaneous opening prayer.
Hearts on Fire
Youth Camp
Our young
missionaries are also being addressed through an every-other-year activity
called “Hearts on Fire”. Integrated into this youth camp is the Bible
where participants are given an introductory input on the Bible with
Bibliodrama allowing the youth to experience a spiritual journey with the Word.
Biblical
Orientation
An introduction
into the world of the PHS Biblical Apostolate is given to the different PHS
sectors in order to raise consciousness not only on the presence of the
Biblical Apostolate but also on the premium that the Divine Word Missionaries
and their co-workers put on Scriptures. The activity aims at
reinvigorating enthusiasm for the Word of God and at revisiting its importance
in the life and mission of the SVD as witnesses to the Word. To date,
orientations were held for Liceo del Verbo Divino, attended by the Campus
Ministry and Christian Living teachers, and for St. Joseph Freinademetz
Formation Center for SVD Brothers.
Diocese of
Tagbilaran Involvement
The Biblical
Apostolate Coordinator is closely coordinating with the Diocese of Tagbilaran
in the implementation of its pastoral program in preparation for its Diamond
Jubilee in 2016. In coordination with the Diocesan Biblical Apostolate
Coordinator, modules on the Bible are composed for the catechetical education
of the faithful.
Networking with
PHN and PHC
At present,
initiatives are being undertaken to network with the Biblical Apostolate
Coordinators of the other Provinces of the SVD in the Philippines. The
target is to learn of best practices of the apostolate and best strategies in
promoting love and rootedness in Sacred Scriptures. Networking is essential in
the promotion of our Biblical programs and in the coordination and alignment of
activities.
3.
PUBLICATIONS
The seven-module Batakang
Pagtuon sa Bibliya (BPB) or the Basic Bible Seminar modules are published
(and out in the market) for Biblical animators in conducting seminars and
workshops integrated with Bibliodrama. These modules are used in seminars to
introduce the faithful into the world of Scriptures. In addition, a
three-volume liturgical notes on the Sunday readings (complete cycle) in the
local language (Cebuano) is out which can help guide the faithful in understanding
the text, context and application of the readings.
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