The Dominicans in the Philippines have been known for the fine intellectual tradition from which they derive much inspiration and resources for the service they render to the Church. They take pride in serving as advisors of the hierarchy on theological issues that affect the affairs of the Church and address the problems besetting the life of faith of our people. Admittedly however, the brethren are now losing this distinct role in the Church. As one brother observed, there seems to be no one in the horizons yet that could match the prominence that distinguished and respected Filipino theologians have attained. Does this mean that our theologizing is not anymore relevant and responsive to the needs of our contemporary society? This certainly poses a challenge to us Dominicans who consider study and the pursuit of truth as our way of life.

In the face of this challenge, we realize that engaging in theological reflection requires serious research and academic work which is demanding and, at times, excruciating. This endeavor is not immediately satisfying and does not promise easy reward without discipline. That is why we wish to take up this task with resolute will, and make it really a priority of the Province.

Our theological reflection must be grounded on solid tradition, but the questions we raise must be contemporary. As our recent Dominican visitators aptly stressed: “Our Dominican intellectual tradition with the multiple “Videtur quod” teaches us how to raise difficult questions, without depending too strongly on prefabricated answers. This is a skill that is badly needed in our times, when the globalized, consumerist mentality disables the mind from reaching our further towards the fullness of truth” (Letter of the Visitators, August 8, 2003). As preachers, we certainly cannot compromise truth. We must even be ready to speak with courage uncomfortable truths which do not please public opinion, but which are necessary to safeguard the authentic good of the society (John Paul II, Ex Cord Ecclesiae, 32).

We believe that the most urgent call is for us Filipino Dominicans to dwell on a theology in the context of the concrete situation of our country and Asia. This is “doing theology.” And certainly it demands continuous consideration of the appropriate ecclesiological paradigm that would bring the Gospel to daily life. In our country, it means interpreting and bringing the message of Christ to the poor. Inspired by St. Dominic, this theological endeavor must be linked with the “misericordia veritatis” which moves us to proclaim the Gospel of God’s love for the world and the dignity which results from such love (2001 Providence, 108). Doing theology in country also entails unraveling and addressing the reasons why despite the four centuries of Christianization, the Filipino culture remains easily vulnerable to forces that contradict the Christian ideals and values. In the greater context of Asia, our theological reflection means discovering and bringing the face of Christ among the peoples of different cultures, faiths, and moral persuasions.

An authentic theological reflection that would hasten the mergence of an Asian Church is a challenge that we, Dominicans in this country with the largest Catholic population in Asia, must seriously take.