Interfaith Prayer. Amidst their divided beliefs, participants offered a prayer of peace led by leaders of different religious sects. Photo by Alexis Matthew Reyes

Various religious groups offered their prayers together yesterday at the Roxas Grounds in observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week with an event entitled, “Celebrating Interfaith Harmony: A journey towards world peace.”

Theology Department Chair Lunar Fayloga said that the purpose of the event was to gather different religious leaders in Davao to pray for peace.

“It is an awareness in the University that in Davao, hindi lang Kristiyano, hindi lang Muslim, but there are also the Hindu, the Sikh, and the Buddhist. Hopefully, this would inspire people to have the sense of awareness to the realistic society,” he added.

Academic Vice-President Fr. Gabriel Jose Gonzales, SJ gave the opening remarks.

This was followed by the interfaith prayer led by Aiza Enolpe of the Bagobo Tribe for the Lumad, Fr. Pedro Lamata, DCD, for the Catholic Christians, Ptr. Roger Lofranco for the Protestants, Aleem Mahmod Mala Adilao for the Muslims, Rev. Nerg Zhen for the Buddhists, and Babaji for the Hindus and Sikhs.

A slight rainfall interrupted the event, so the people were asked to move to the covered areas at the side of the venue.
The Kagan Dance Ensemble then offered a cultural presentation as the interfaith gathering continued.

University President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ said in his inspirational message that although religions have different names for their respective gods, they still refer to an entity who is sovereign to human beings.

“We have come together in the unity of prayer and our shared humanity,” he concluded.

The event ended as students from different faiths released doves to symbolize peace among religions.

Emilio Angelo Conda, a first year Human Resource student said, “Kahit iba pa yung god natin or iba pa ang paniniwala, ma-attain man din natin yung peace kung may will tayo.”