Revisiting my Missionary Ministry among the Isnags: Indigenous Religion and Mission

André De Bleeker

Revisiting my Missionary Ministry among the Isnags

Indigenous Religion and Mission

Authors

André De Bleeker CICM

Keywords:

Missionary, Ministry, Philippine Missions, Isnags, Field Work

Abstract

In this article, the author traces his academic formation and personal experiences in missionary work around the mid-1970’s and against the background of the Second Vatican Council. The first part of the article explores the religious beliefs and practices of the Isnag people in the mission area of Kabugao, Cordillera Region, Philippines; the second part deals with initial attempts to give Christianity an Isnag face.

Author Biography

André De Bleeker, CICM

Fr. André De Bleeker, CICM, obtained from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven his Licentiate in Missiology in 1972. He also earned a degree in Eastern philology and history. After his ordination, he left for the Philippines and studied Ilocano as preparation for his various mission-assignments: Bontoc, Mountain Province (1973- 1975); Kabugao-Calanasan, Apayao (1975-1983); Natonin, Mountain Province (1983-1988). He served as formator in Maryhurst Seminary (1988-1993) and taught missiology, comparative religion, and world religions at Maryhill School of Theology (1994-2013), where he also served as Academic Dean (2011-2013). In May 2013, he moved to Rome, Italy to serve as CICM’s General Archivist.

Revisiting my Missionary Ministry among the Isnags: Indigenous Religion and Mission