Abstract:

The shrine of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar de Zamboanga is unique and extraordinary for it is visited and revered by both Christians and Muslims. Nowadays when dialogue between Christians and Muslims has become even more important for peace in the seemingly never-ending conflict and violence in Mindanao, a revisit to the source and historical landscapes of this shared devotion between the two major faiths and a study of Islamic and Christian Mariologies become a great source of hope and comfort for interreligious dialogue. And so in this context, this study of the Role of the Devotion to Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar in the promotion of the Muslim-Christian dialogue in Zamboanga City becomes very significant and urgent.

This paper addresses how this shared devotion to Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar could promote Muslim-Christian dialogue in Zamboanga City. This study is divided into four major parts: 1) The History of the Shrine and the Devotion Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar; 2) The Origin, Development, and Contemporary Situation of the Muslim Devotion to La Virgen del Pilar de Zamboanga; 3) The Shared Marian Devotion and the Muslim-Christian Dialogue; and 4) The Promotion of the Muslim Devotion to La Virgen del Pilar for Interreligious Dialogue and Recommendations Praxis and Further Research and Study.

Hence, this study explores the history of the shared devotion to Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, presents the Mariological theologies of both religions, discusses its implications for the Muslim-Christian dialogue in Mindanao, and makes recommendations regarding the roles it may play in such a dialogue.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Greg Soetomo, S.J., Ph.D. (Principal Examiner), Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss., and Fr. Albert Alejo, S.J., Ph.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Antonio De Castro, S.J., S.T.L., E.H.D., Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J., S.T.D., and Fr. Rene Javellana, S.J.