OND SYNOD DAY 2: LISTENING TO INTER-GENERATIONAL EXPERIENCES OF JOURNEYING TOGETHER AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES AND CONVERSATION IN THE SPIRIT

The second day of the OND Synodal Journey, July 3, 2024, commenced with the Eucharistic celebration at OND Our Lady of Hope Chapel (OLPC), presided by Rev. Fr. Ronald D. Abad, OMI. In his homily, he emphasized three valuable insights from the gospel story of the day on the apostle Thomas (John 20: 24-29) which he contextualized on the OND Synod theme: “Listening, Discerning, and Moving Beyond”.

Firstly, Thomas’s initial skepticism underscores the significance of attentively hearing others’ experiences and uncertainties without criticism, as the disciples respected Thomas’s disbelief without excluding him. In walking our synodal path, we are encouraged to attentively listen to each other’s narratives, particularly those facing challenges within their communities, to establish an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, understood, and appreciated, despite differences.

Secondly, Thomas’s transition from doubt to belief emphasizes the importance of discernment, as Jesus’ gesture of allowing Thomas to touch His wounds reflected love and empathy, highlighting the need for us to discern how to demonstrate Christ’s love to those facing challenges, guiding them to witness and embrace faith through our action and compassion.

Thirdly, Thomas’s transition from skepticism to belief motivates us to transcend mere tolerance and engage actively with individuals who hold diverse beliefs, principles, or experiences. Through embracing this shared journey, we not only strengthen our own faith but also uplift the faith of those in our midst, emulate Thomas by embodying the welcoming, understanding, and patient characteristics of the disciples and adopt Thomas’s openness to change, willingness to believe, and eagerness to profess, “My Lord and my God.”

The morning session highlighted the sharing of the treasures, the gems, the jewels of synodality that the five sisters from different age clusters and ministry engagements have lived in their lives as ONDs through the years.

The sharers were: Sr. Hilda T. Tajonera, OND, 85-years old. She took her first profession of vows as religious on October 19, 1961 and proceeded to final profession of vows on May 11, 1967. She currently resides at the OND St. Therese Care home while caring for Sr. Gerry Oliver, OND.

Sr. Nelda L. Balaba, OND, who is now 43 years old as an OND, took her first profession of vows as religious on March 25, 1981, and had her final profession of vows on March 25, 1987. She currently focuses on earth care through biodiversity and organic farming at the OND Navah Forest Home in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Sr. Maria Theresa N. Arzagon, OND, took her first profession of vows as religious on May 1, 1994, making her 30 years old as an OND, and had her final profession of vows on March 25, 2000. At present, she recently concluded her involvement in pastoral ministry at the Santo Niño de Cebu Parish in Makilala, Cotabato.

Sr. Vilma P. Ismael, OND, took her first profession of vows as religious on April 4, 1998, and is currently 26 years in her OND journey. She made her final profession of vows on March 25, 2004. Currently, she is involved in the education ministry at the Notre Dame of Greater Manila in Caloocan City.

Sr. Anna Marie C. Emar, OND, made her first prodession of vows on May 1, 2016, making her 8 years old as an OND. She had her final profession of vows on March 19, 2024. Recently, she completed her Renewal Program and is preparing to pursue further studies at the Loyola School of Theology in Manila.

In the afternoon session, Sr. Rose Susan P. Montejo, OND, shared her synthesis of the synodal insights gleaned from the sharing of the sisters, emphasizing the relevant concept of synodality and the issues and challenges faced by the ONDs. Moreover, she stressed that each story represents the OND narratives and holds value. She also called on the ONDs to make a paradigm shift from merely facilitating the journey of the people to journeying with the people and to act collectively as a community.

The table conversations of the twelve groups after the synthesis of Sr. Montejo were followed by individual group reporting. The discussions centered on the sisters’ experiences of synodality in their current context and its personal impact, the observable synodal practices within the OND community and ministries, and the identification of characteristics within the OND that need strengthening as the sisters progress together on their journey as missionary disciples.

The sisters gained enriched insights and learnings as they openly and actively engaged, listening to each other’s stories on the ground, shaping the collective narrative of the OND.- Sr. Haide P. De Los Santos, OND