My fascination and attraction with the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI was a process of discernment. It was triggered by my interest in the realm of Theological Anthropology, that this God Whom we believe in must really be a God of history, a God Who shapes our own personal and collective existence. I believe that faith is not only knowledge of the right doctrine, but also total trust and commitment of a believer to a personal God, Who relates Himself to His creatures, a God Who suffices and is More Than Enough—how appropriate indeed to call Him “El Shaddai!”

When misfortune befalls them, they continue topersevere in faith, ever hopeful of the time when El Shaddai will turn the tide in their favor, or they believe that He is trustworthy—One Who fulfills His promises. nother trait of the Foundation is its emphasis on unity—one voice, one mind, one spirit. The community has a familial ambience. Geniality, cordiality, and warm-heartedness characterize this community, devoid of traces of factionalism and exclusivity. There's no discrimination based on social status among its members.

The occurrence of a religious phenomenon can never escape theological scrutiny. In the process, three main criteria are employed in the theological investigation, namely, the Sacred Scriptures, Tradition, and Magisterium, as well as the opinion of Catholic theologians. The Foundation's spirituality is a renewal movement. As such, it doesn't attempt to establish a new doctrine, but its purpose is rather restorative in nature. In fact, some of its spiritual, liturgical, and para-liturgical practices are reminiscent of the Apostolic times or of the First Community. Examples of these are their use of the Word of God (Sacred Scriptures) as the norm of their Christian conduct and their emphasis on fellowship, or koinonia (common life of sharing) the Eucharist (or the breaking of bread) and prayer. These practices of the first community are by and large incorporated into its liturgical and para-liturgical activities, based on Acts 2:42.

Another characteristic of the community is its emphasis on a lively, joyful, and festive liturgy. In the act of worship, they sing and dance. Are these practices biblically inspired? Of course! It is in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians 3:16-17: “With thankful heart sing to God psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise. And whatever you do or say, do it in the Name of Jesus, the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” In as much as the community affirms its unswerving fidelity to the teachings of the Holy Mother Church, we can say its creed and code are truly founded in the Word of God (Magisterium Tradition).

In view of the maturity in faith that its members possess and demonstrate, they are called into a new and noble task of evangelization. Its members abroad, most of whom are overseas contract workers, are called to become evangelizers of the faith and witnesses of the Gospel. In a world disfigured by sin and the culture of death, they are instruments of renewal, change, and hope for humanity. Praise God!

Rev. Fr. Jake Aquino, M.S.P.

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