OND statement on Marawi siege

Peace be to your homes… Peace within your wallsand security within your Borders…For love of family and friendsI will say, Peace be within you… I seek your good.. (Ps.122)The treacherous attack by the terrorist group on the City of Marawi on May 23, 2017 had triggered unthinkable misery and horror among the Muslim and Christian population, not only those who are residents of the famous city by the Lake Lanao, but among the entire population of Mindanao, of the Philippines and the world.The Oblates of Notre Dame, having founded and remained to be an indigenous community of women religious in Mindanao, join the many ordinary people and institutions that have earlier denounced in strongest terms the cold-blooded destruction of lives, properties and significant symbols of cultural heritage of the early beginning of Muslim Mindanao.The Islamic city of Marawi has become a fortress of dialogue among cultures and religions. The city has generously welcomed student-scholars of different creeds from Mindanao and even the Visayas to pursue their own dreams, dreams of their families, clans and communities. In Marawi, more than anywhere in the country, do we see the long stretch of streets canopied with streamers of greetings for all events and reasons - a display of pride for one’s determination, achievement and victories.With the continuing armed confrontation in Marawi, we ache for and with the women who need to protect their children from untold hostility and bloodshed we fear with the youth whose dreams and imaginations are suddenly snapped by merciless snipers we tremble with educators and alumni whose institution of learning, that was a hub for intellectual curiosity and with voluminous research, is turned to ashes… and we grieve with families who are obliged to flee in haste for their lives, leaving behind the little gains of their years of struggle.We come in solidarity with everyone whose aspiration is a PEACEFUL MINDANAO!We stand alongside the lawful policy and decision makers of groups and institutions who favor a speedy yet impartial resolution of this very troubling event.We pray with other veiled women and consecrated persons of different faith traditions for comfort and refuge for the innocent victims, particularly for the security of Fr. Chito Suganub whose priestly ministry is an eloquent witness to dialogue of life and deeds for and with the Maranaos of Marawi.We trustingly join hearts and hands, minds and spirit with all who seek the peace and good of Marawi City, of Mindanao! of the Philippines and the world!Let us implore Mary/Sitti Miryam, the Mother of Jesus, revered by Islam and Christian believers, to guide us to the path of peace.