Grit as a virtue of the Waray-waray in reinforcing their faith and participation in the mission of the church

Abstract

This research explored the grit of the Waray-waray/Samarnon following the concept of Angela Duckworth’s grit lived through its physical, social, moral, spiritual, and psychological aspects. It inquired on the role of grit in their daily experiences, the values that entail it, and how it strengthens their faith and participation in the mission of the Church. The researcher used the narrative descriptive method and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in analyzing the data that were gathered through face-to-face and online interviews of the members of the local community of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The results show the role of grit as expressed and lived out as a positive self-image, as a cultural identity, as a moral compass, as an expression of faith, and as a source of strength. The values that entail grit which was categorized under the several aspects of their lived experiences of grit include determination, love for truth, resiliency, self-expression, steadfastness, trust in God, etc. The faith character of grit was identified as faith and grit in challenging times, faith and grit in the service of others, faith and grit in worship, and faith and grit in righteousness, while its missionary character includes a three-dimensional track patterned in the doctrine, moral, and worship dimension of catechesis are prophetic-dimension, witnessing-dimension, and celebration-dimension. The faith and missionary characters may be incorporated in conducting catechesis in various religious activities and classroom instruction on values and religion or Christian living subjects.