SILENCE preaches.
A round-table discussion on the value of contemplative silence, titled “Silence, Word, and Light,” was held on Feb. 11 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex.
An offshoot of the 2004 International Seminar on Communication held in Gandolfo, Italy, the event highlighted personal reflective catechesis.
“Jesus said that the reign of God is within. What we are asked to do is to get in touch with the mystery within us, with the voice of God speaking to us in stillness,” said Sr. Dolores Mitch of the Maryknoll Sisters’ Center for Justice, Peace, and Integrity for Creation.
Sr. Mitch suggested meditation as a way to develop one’s interior life, psychological health, and experiencing God in depth.
Meanwhile, Fr. Regino Cortes, O.P., regent of the College of Fine Arts and Design, cited the example of Mother Teresa, who, in contemplative action, preached the Gospel.
“Action speaks louder than words. With genuine Christian living you can touch the hearts even of far-off unbelievers and dignitaries more than preachers in pulpits can,” Fr. Cortes said.
On the other hand, Prof. Belen Pereras of the UST Institute of Religion shared her “baptism of the spirit” that led to her active Church life 30 years back.
“In chaos I found God. In events that happen in our lives we can discern His guidance. He speaks to us in silence. In images and symbolisms we are reminded of him,” she said.
Following the discussion was a video presentation on Chiara Lubich’s Focolare Movement, a worldwide lay Catholic evangelical movement, stressing simplicity in preaching the Word. Nicolo F. Bernardo
