“When we pray together for peace, we quietly remind ourselves that the person beside us, though different, is not a threat. The person is a partner. The person is a companion in our journey.” — Fr. Ernald Andal, SJ, University President.
In celebration of the 2026 World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through the Ateneo Peace Center (APC) and the Social Development Unit (SDU), once again gathered religious leaders, peace advocates, and community partners for the 3rd Annual Interfaith Breakfast Prayer on February 2, 2026, at the Lantaka Campus.
Using the Vinta as a symbol of our shared Mindanaoan heritage, this year’s gathering emphasized that while our diverse faiths represent the different colors of our “sails,” we all navigate the same “shared waters” of our community. The event offered a sacred space to amplify a chorus of prayer, moving beyond theological distinctions to focus on the empathy and solidarity needed to build a future rooted in respect.
A highlight of the morning was the Symbolic Offertory and Prayer, where religious leaders lit candles representing peace and harmony within their traditions. Participants also joined in creating the “Chain of Hope and Peace”—linking colorful strips of paper inscribed with personal prayers to symbolize that our collective strength is built by staying connected to one another.
Engaging in the conversation is University President Fr Ernald M Andal SJ, with Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP) Muslim Convenor Sheikh Loderson “Mahir” Gustaham and Evangelical Convenor Pastor Budy Alfaro, Sama Bangingi Tribal Chieftain of the Simariki Island Ancestral Domain Panglima Nasir Ismula, Silsilah Dialogue Movement Founder Fr Sebastiano D’Ambra PIME, ZABIDA President Dr Grace Rebollos, Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) President Dr Rufina Cruz, City Mayor’s Office representative Ustadz Abdulwakil Kasim, and representatives of the Office of Vice Mayor Beng Climaco.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, AdZU Alliance of Religious Organizations (ARO), Campus Ministry Office, and the Social Development Unit, AdZU Senior High School Unit, Office of Student Affairs, and Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development.
By anchoring our hearts in mutual respect, we continue to move forward as active navigators and agents of peace in our city and beyond.