Basilan prelate urges priests to stay united amid Mindanao’s diversity

February 13, 2026 – 7:00 AM

Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan delivers his homily during Mass at the 47th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao Assembly at Zamboanga City’s KCC Convention Center on Feb. 11, 2026. (Radio Veritas 846/Norman Dequia)

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ZAMBOANGA City— A Catholic bishop in Mindanao reminded nearly 800 diocesan priests Wednesday that true synodality is not uniformity, but unity amid differences.

Speaking during Mass at the 47th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao Convention, Bishop Leo Dalmao of Isabela prelature said communion in ministry requires deliberate commitment, especially during challenges.

“The question is not, do we think the same? The real question is, do we choose to stay together?” Dalmao said in his homily at the KCC Convention Center.

“Or, in the context of our ministry, do we choose to stay and continue giving ourselves despite the difficulties?” he added, urging priests to remain steadfast even when situations test their resolve.

He acknowledged the region’s diverse pastoral realities, noting that cultural, linguistic, and religious differences should not threaten the unity of the clergy or the faithful.

“In Mindanao, we live in diversity; cultures, languages, pastoral realities, and even different ways of thinking. Diversity is beautiful. It is well demonstrated in our region,” Dalmao said.

The Claretian bishop said the area’s poverty, conflict, and complex interreligious dynamics present challenges that no priest can face alone, underscoring the need for solidarity.

“We are not meant to walk alone. We are called to journey in solidarity,” he said.

He cautioned that division starts in the heart, fueled by pride, fear, or unresolved wounds, and that synodality requires openness to healing through Christ.

“Division does not begin outside; it begins inside. When hurt, pride, or fear grow in the heart. Synodality begins when we allow Christ to heal all hearts,” Dalmao said.

The prelate emphasized that unity among priests directly affects the faithful, fostering hope when clergy walk together, or discouragement when they are divided.

“But when priests walk divided, people also feel very discouraged. But when priests walk together, people find hope,” he said.

Encouraging perseverance, Dalmao reminded the clergy that ministry is not only about programs but about embodying fraternity through presence, listening, and accompaniment without judgment.

“Sometimes we are simply called to stay, to listen without judging, to accompany without having all the answers, to remain even when it is inconvenient,” he said. “Our strength is not only in what we do in ministry, but in how we walk together as brothers.”

The annual assembly gathers diocesan priests from across Mindanao to strengthen fraternity, promote synodality, and foster a deeper sense of mission in the local Church.