The main speaker of this Theological Forum was Mam Norma, one of the Commissioners of National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) during the time of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and a Bureau Director during the time of Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
We are in the middle of an age/era where people are asking, “What is the place of the woman/women in the world and in society?”. Definitely, Mam Norma has beautifully outlined for us the role of women in their culture, and how she appropriated and linked these to Mary. She describes their women as leaders in their indigenous faith, as balyans, (or in our term women priests). She shares of their women as artists involved in the intricate weaving of dresses and ornament-making. They look up to their mothers as a symbol of harmony in the home, and as natural and innate peace negotiators of the family and the community. their mothers are more than willing to sacrifice for their children, but not showing their suffering but rather a strength of character. and lastly, their women remain a virgin until their marriage and faithful to their husbands.
This forum has chosen the theme of “Mary, Link of Cultures. We have just entered into the 8th year of our spiritual journey as we approach the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The CBCP (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) has declared this year as the Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and of the Indigenous Peoples, and calls us to reflect on the theme, “Dialogue towards Harmony.” So this forum wants to kick-off this year by pondering on ”Mary as the Link of Cultures.
One of Mary’s credits is her humanizing influence. She functioned, repeatedly in the New Testament, as clearly and completely as human, just like us. She represents the human side of Christ’s life. Most of all, she represents a psychological model of maternity and protection, which is universal. This fact allows for the interpretation of her person and the contribution she can make to culture. Mary becomes a flexible and adaptable figure reflecting on many cultures.
Moreover, with Mary’s character, or attributes, she can be considered a model for dialogue. She has the attitudes needed for dialogue: listening and discernment (Fiat), sharing and helping, sensitivity to justice and peace (Magnificat), bringing about harmony and communion (her presence with the disciples during Pentecost, and more.
