ZAMBOANGA City, Jan. 9, 2011—A lay woman has made a vow to live a life of peace and dialogue in conflict-ridden Mindanao.
Jackelyn L. Timoteo made her commitment as she joined the Emmaus Dialogue community (EDC), a group of consecrated lay persons who live the spirituality of dialogue and vow themselves to poverty, dialogue, obedience, zeal, compassion, chastity and peace.
Timoteo made her commitment on January 2, in the presence of family and friends, at the Holy Family Church in Zamboanga.
Other members of the community, namely, Aminda E. Saño, Carmen G. Grajo, Hermelina R. Buscas and Annielor D. Salvador also made a renewal of Lifetime Commitment as members of EDC, during the event.
Fr. Sebastiano D’ Ambra, PIME, Founder of Emmaus Dialogue Community and the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, presided at the ceremony and the celebration of the Eucharist, together with Fr. Guilio Mariani, PIME, Director of Euntes Asian Center.
Founded on February 8, 1987, the EDC embraces the vision of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement to promote deeper understanding and better relations among Muslims, Christians and peoples of different faiths that they may live in respect, trust and love for one another.
The community was later approved as a “Lay Association†according to Canons 321 and 326 of the Revised Code of Canon Law.
The diocesan recognition was given by then Archbishop of Zamboanga, Most Rev. Carmelo D.F. Morelos, DD.
As consecrated laypersons, the members of EDC remain single and witness to a life of chastity, the call to holiness as affirmed by Vatican II.
But the EDC also welcomes married Catholics and single men and women who wish to live the spirituality of Life-in-Dialogue while continuing to live with their families. They are associated with the Emmaus Community as members of the Emmaus Circle. (CBCPNews)
