In a world often divided by faith, culture, and conflict, one man has quietly and steadfastly devoted his life to building bridges of understanding and peace in Mindanao. That man is Italian missionary Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, a priest whose dream of harmony between Christians and Muslims has become a living legacy through the Silsilah Dialogue Movement.
On October 1, 2025, Fr. D’Ambra received one of Italy’s highest distinctions—the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy)—from Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Presented in Manila by Ambassador Davide Giglio, the award recognizes D’Ambra’s exceptional contribution to fostering friendship and cooperation between Italy and the Philippines, and his lifelong commitment to peace and interreligious dialogue.
For those who know Fr. D’Ambra, the honor is more than well-deserved—it is a recognition of nearly five decades of unyielding faith, compassion, and courage in the service of humanity.
A Calling Born Amid Conflict
When Fr. D’Ambra first arrived in Zamboanga City in 1977 as a missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), the Philippines was under Martial Law. Mindanao was a land torn apart by mistrust and bloodshed between Muslims and Christians.
“The first thing I learned when I arrived,” he once wrote, “was the difficult and problematic relations between Muslims and Christians.”
Instead of turning away from the strife, D’Ambra walked straight into it—with open hands and an open heart. Assigned in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, he befriended Muslims, Christians, and the Subanen Indigenous People. He listened to their stories, treated their wounds, and shared their joys and sorrows.
Out of his compassion grew his first humble initiative—a nipa hut by the Siocon River he called the “Muslim-Christian Brotherhood.” It became a meeting place for dialogue and coexistence.
But peace work in a war zone came at a price. His defense of abused civilians angered some members of the military. His life was threatened. Yet instead of retreating, D’Ambra prayed—and his prayer led to a calling: to be a bridge of peace.
The Birth of Silsilah
After a brief exile in Italy, where he studied Arabic and Islamic Studies in Rome, Fr. D’Ambra returned to Mindanao with a renewed spirit and a profound idea inspired by the Sufi concept of “Silsilah”—the Arabic word for “chain” or “link.”
To him, it symbolized a spiritual connection—between God, self, others, and all creation. On May 9, 1984—his birthday—he founded the Silsilah Dialogue Movement in Zamboanga City.
His vision was simple yet transformative: to foster a life-in-dialogue among Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths.
Through education, formation, and community programs, Silsilah promotes not just tolerance, but genuine understanding and friendship among peoples long divided by religion and history.
Over the years, the Movement grew—spawning initiatives like the Harmony Village, Tulay Bata (Bridges for Children), SilPeace (Silsilah Youth for Peace), and the Dialogue with Creation Program, which links peacebuilding with care for the environment.
A Life of Courage and Compassion
Fr. D’Ambra’s path has not been without tragedy. In 1992, his close friend and fellow missionary Fr. Salvatore Carzedda, who worked alongside him in Silsilah, was murdered—possibly in an attack meant for D’Ambra himself. The loss shook him deeply, but it also strengthened his resolve to continue his mission of peace.
He returned to Zamboanga determined to honor his friend’s memory by living what he calls a “life-in-dialogue”—a spirituality that sees peace not as a strategy, but as a way of life.
“Dialogue,” he says, “is not only about talking. It is about living. It is about love.”
Recognitions and Continuing Legacy
Over the decades, Fr. D’Ambra and the Silsilah Dialogue Movement have been honored with numerous national and international awards:
- Goi Peace Award (2013) from Japan’s Goi Peace Foundation
- World Interfaith Harmony Week Award (2014) from King Abdullah II of Jordan
- Bishop Jorge Barlin Golden Cross Award (2024) from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
These accolades, however, are but reflections of a much deeper achievement—the transformation of countless lives and communities that once saw each other as enemies but now work hand in hand for peace.
A Sign of Hope for the World
Today, at 80, Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra continues to guide the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, which has grown beyond Mindanao to inspire peacebuilders around the world. Through its interfaith networks and global initiatives like the Harmony Chain, the message of Silsilah now links people across nations and religions.
In a time when extremism and prejudice continue to divide societies, Fr. D’Ambra’s voice remains clear and unwavering:
“When the forces of destruction are working hard, the forces of peace and harmony must work even harder.”
For nearly half a century, this Italian priest has lived that truth—proof that faith can heal, dialogue can transform, and peace is possible when one chooses to listen, understand, and love.
And for that, the world—and Mindanao—will forever be grateful.
About the Silsilah Dialogue Movement
Founded in 1984 in Zamboanga City, the Silsilah Dialogue Movement promotes interreligious dialogue, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Its name, “Silsilah,” means “chain” in Arabic, symbolizing a spiritual link among God, humanity, and creation. Through education, youth engagement, environmental advocacy, and interfaith cooperation, Silsilah continues to nurture generations of peacebuilders in Mindanao and beyond.