Meeting with Compassion, Connecting through Kindness: Fo Guang Shan and Carmelite Sisters Gather in Bacolod

BACOLOD, Philippines – On December 30, 2025, representatives from Fo Guang Shan and the Humanistic Buddhism Center Philippines visited the cloistered Carmelite sisters at the Bacolod monastery, engaging in a heartfelt exchange that transcended religious boundaries and celebrated shared human values.

The delegation was led by Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, and Venerable Dr. Jue Wei from Nan Tien Institute, Australia. They were warmly welcomed by Prioress Mother May Catherine. Despite different faith backgrounds, both sides found common ground in core values of compassion, kindness, and peace. As Master Hsing Yun has said, “Compassion has no religious boundaries, and kindness is the shared language of humanity.” In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, this shared understanding was especially meaningful.

During the exchange, participants shared their respective spiritual practices, from the cloistered sisters’ silent prayers to the Buddhist emphasis on the Bodhisattva path and altruism. Both sides listened attentively and learned from one another, reflecting the shared mission of nurturing the heart and benefiting society. Master Hsing Yun also reminds us, “The value of faith is not in how much one speaks, but in how much one contributes to humanity,” a principle that resonated deeply throughout the dialogue.

A cultural component of the visit further enriched the encounter. Mr. Junrey Alayacyac, HBCP Director for Performing Arts, offered a musical tribute to St. Francis and the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path. The cloistered sisters, who rarely perform publicly, responded with serene and melodious hymns, creating a peaceful and touching atmosphere that bridged religious traditions through shared human expression.

This meaningful interfaith gathering was made possible through the longstanding friendship between Mother May Catherine and Dr. Cecilia Manikan of HBCP. It also embodies Master Hsing Yun’s teaching to “value harmony and cultivate goodness.” Both sides expressed hope that future exchanges and dialogue will continue to foster understanding, connect hearts, and heal society, putting into practice the Humanistic Buddhist spirit of “giving faith, joy, hope, and support” to all.