Tagaytay City—The Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS) commenced the first week of its two-week Mission Orientation Course (Alis Bayan, Dating Bayan, Balikbayan) for this year last June 23, 2024. During its first week, DWIMS welcomed participants to a series of discussions, capped by a historical tour.
The week began on June 23, 2024, with the welcome dinner at 7:00 PM, provided the opportunity for attendees to interact. The evening continued with the formal orientation session at 8:00 PM, laying the groundwork for the days ahead, followed by social activities at 9:00 PM.
Each day of the course began with breakfast at 7:00 AM, followed by morning prayers at 8:00 AM. The afternoon of each day featured the Holy Mass at 6:15 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00 PM.
During the first day of the course, Fr. Edgar G. Javier, SVD, Director for Research and Publications, led sessions on the "Anthropology of Culture" and "Entering a New Culture." After dinner, Fr. Hazer Cango, SVD (Brazil) facilitated the mission sharing.
The second day explored contemporary issues with Fr. Javier continuing with topics on "The Contemporary World" and "Re-Imaging the Missionary in Contemporary Times." The day concluded with a group meeting.
The third day was led by Fr. Antonio M. Pernia, SVD, Vice Director for Studies, whose discussion focused on "The Asian Church: Emerging and Re-emerging Realities" and "Religious Pluralism and Dialogue." The day ended with the mission sharing led by Fr. Albert Ziem, SVD (Ghana).
The fourth day brought insights from Dr. Arnold Monera, PhD, guiding participants through "Missionary Discipleship in Pauline Letters" and "Group Identities and Boundaries during the Pauline Mission." The day ended with a group meeting.
The fifth day began with the talk facilitated by Fr. Javier about "Holy Spirit: Mission Seeking Interconnectivity (Missio Spiritus)," followed by the talk by Dr. Chito Sawit, PhD about “Mission in the City.” At the end of the day, participants gained time to relax and reflect.
The first week of the course concluded on June 29, 2024, with a historical tour to Taal, Batangas.
The second week of the course began last June 30, 2024, and will conclude on July 6, 2024, with the recollection and cultural night.