fides.org (9.05.2018)
In Marawi, a town on the island of Mindanao made famous by the occupation of jihadist groups linked to ISIS (Islamic State) in 2017, and destroyed as a result of the siege by the army of Manila, the Forum “Silsilah” (which means “chain”), sees the rebirth of the movement for Islamic-Christian dialogue founded in the South of the Philippines by the missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra.
As reported to Fides by Fr. D’Ambra, in recent days the Silsilah movement has organized two events in the area of Lanao, where Marawi is located, involving the Muslims of the Maranao ethnic group, a majority in that province. During the Marawi meetings “we relaunched the Silsilah Forum after the sad experience of the siege. The participation was encouraging, with the presence of many leaders, especially Maranao women, young people, friends of Silsilah in other cities, new members who intend to become promoters of dialogue and peace”, says Fr. D’Ambra.
