Rufus was a man with a mission to be one in friendship with people of all faiths and be a bridge between communities in conflict and families with feuds. He was a bridge builder and a peacemaker.
INTER RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ARTICLES
On 16 January 2021 we hosted our first online Columban International Youth Encounter which gathered 24 young people and seven young Columban missionaries and co-workers from six different Columban mission areas.
On August 3, 2021, the historic move of reconciliation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Philippine Independent Church, also known as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, happened.
"When I prayed, I would often be reminded of Saint John of the Cross when he was imprisoned in a pitch-black cell for a long period of time. What gave him strength to survive was focusing on the tiny chink of light that came into his cell each day."
"In my journey of dialogue with other religions, I have embodied the insight that dialogue entails listening but I could only understand deeply by using my heart."
"Dedication of all religions and people of goodwill to prayer, fasting and works of charity to face the corona virus pandemic and the challenge to care for our common home."
As I continued my journey in this side of the world, I came to realize that despite the diversity of religions there is always a prevailing human factor that is common: the capacity to love, care and pray for each other. This insight dawned on me during my stay in my parish.
Aisha, a two-year-old Muslim girl, arrived at the Catholic Clinic in Badin one Friday morning. She was admitted to the clinic for tuberculosis treatment. On another occasion, 71-year old Mansingh arrived at the clinic in scorching hot weather with his grandson.
The Subanen culture and our Catholic tradition both profess that God created the Earth as a sacred gift. And it has become evident that this sacred gift needs healthy ecosystems if we are to fulfill, in a sustainable way, the Gospel’s commission to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and shelter the homeless.
“In everything, we need to transcend. Let our faith be bigger or higher than our fears.” To people whose lives were touched by Fr. Rufus “Popong” Halley, the above statement is so clear, when in pursuit of a life that directly puts one in the line of adversity.
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