Expatriates to bring Denver's Catholic Biblical School to the Philippines
By Mila Glodava
Today, my friends and supporter of the Metro Infanta Foundation – Dolly Banzon and Amelia Ashmann -- will leave the comforts of their U.S. homes to go back to the Philippines and bring Denver’s Catholic Biblical School (CBS) in three weeks time.
Dolly, who just completed her third year in the CBS, and Amy, a graduate of same, were so inspired in learning the Scripture that it did not take them any time to plan this trip with their instructor, Thomas Smith. Both shouldered most of the travel expenses and raised some to purchase materials they can leave behind for the clergy and catechists who will be attending the sessions in Davao and Manila.
When she graduates from the school next year, Dolly plans on returning to the Philippines to teach Scripture. “When you are touched by the word of God you can’t help but spread it around,” she said. “There is a need for a biblical school to spread that word all over the world.”
A retired internist, Amy believes that through studying Scripture, people will strengthen their faith, as it has deepened her own faith. “My experience at the school deepened my faith and I wanted to share that experience them.”
Meanwhile, Tom said in an article in the Denver Catholic Register that the program will give the Filipino people a narrative story of Scripture, from Genesis through Revelation, and will lay a foundation of their successful brand of biblical school in the Philippines.
This may not be wistful thinking. To date, the sessions in Davao (June 8 - 10) have registered more than 400 participants and the Manila sessions (June 15 and 16, Philippine Heart Center, East Ave., Quezon City) have generated interest from 12 dioceses for up to 300 people.
If interested in attending any of the two locations please contact Dr. Tessie Menor at: theresamenor@yahoo.com.