In Search for the Meaning of Life

CEBU, Philippines - The Congregation of Saint John (CSJ), a Catholic community of brothers, apostolic sisters, and secular members, hosts an open discourse called Kahayag (Cebuano term for “light”) Forum with the theme “In Search for the Meaning of Life” at Sacred Heart Center – Convention Hall, D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City on Wednesday, August 6, from one to eight p.m. The forum aims to share the philosophical and theological heritage from the founder, Fr. Marie-Dominique Philippe, O.P., in the service of the New Evangelization in Cebu. It also aims to engage in a dialogue with contemporary Filipino society, particularly professionals, employees, educators, senior and graduate students, and intellectuals who may or may not be involved in the Catholic Church.

The search for the meaning of life is a challenge towards an attitude of pooling a diversity of experience that exceeds any one, while at the same time retaining the guiding power of one’s own personal experience, his or her commitments and values. As Dr. Jose Rizal wrote: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.”

Important components of the forum include conferences such as “Finding Fulfillment: Challenges Today,” with speaker Fr. John Gabriel Goupil de Bouille, CSJ, Dean of Philosophy, Congregation of Saint John, Lyon, France, who has taught philosophy in different Asian contexts over the past few years, including two years here in Cebu; “My Personal Search for the Meaning of Life,” with speaker Judge Simeon Dumdum, Jr., Regional Trial Court Executive Judge, Cebu City and an accomplished poet; and “Synopsis and Future Outlook,” with speaker Fr. John Gabriel Goupil de Bouille, CSJ.

Fr. Justin Lee, CSJ is the moderator in a panel discussion by the speakers and some invited representatives from Cebu City. The event also includes cultural presentations and exhibits, and ends with a Holy Eucharist to be presided by His Excellency Archbishop Jose S. Palma.

For tickets to the forum, interested parties may contact Em-Em Talabok at cell number 09424642939, or visit website www.stjohncebu.com/kahayagfroum.