Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga City (Agenzia Fides) - "The Death of Father Fausto Tentorio during the month dedicated to the tribal people, will give courage to many within the Church and Philippine society, to be more aware of, and identify with the aspirations of the tribal people in the Philippines "is what is said- on the eve of the funeral of the missionary, to be held tomorrow in Kidapawan – by Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra, of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), Fr. Tentorio Fausto’s brother, who was killed a week ago in Arakan, on the island of Mindanao (southern Philippines).
Father D'Ambra, who has also been in the Philippines for over 30 years, is the founder of the movement for Muslim-Christian dialogue "Silsilah" in Zamboanga City. In a note sent to Agenzia Fides, he recalls Fr. Fausto as "a simple person, humble and kind, who dedicated his life for the people, giving special attention and love to the tribal people of Arakan Valley".
The missionary then turns to those who killed Fr. Tentorio, saying: "Why did you kill a father of the tribal people? To make them afraid? No, the movement for tribal people will become stronger and we will be with them, side by side with those who suffer the most in our society. It is time to move forward, indigenous people, Christians and Muslims. "Fr. D'Ambra recalled the words of Jesus: "Do not be afraid" and affirms. "This is a time of pain, but also a time of deeper solidarity to continue to cry peace with our life in dialogue". The missionary encourages the people of Mindanao, Christians, Muslims and tribal - to continue the mission of dialogue and peace in the certainty that "nobody can stop those who work together for the common good". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2011)
