It is said that the historic encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt al-Malik al -Kamil 800 years ago is an undisputed model of interreligious dialogue. Bro. Jess Matias, OFS, lectured on the “Lessons from Damietta.” This was held at the Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA) Multi-function Hall, New Manila, Quezon City. The objectives of which were to draw attention to the continuing need and challenge of the Church faithful to work for religious unity as a foundational requisite towards sustainable peace. We learned from the historical analysis of the context and circumstances of the determined encounter between the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil of Egypt and Saint Francis of Assisi in 1219 during the siege of Damietta in the Fifth Crusade. The analytical discussion was the reference for the subsequent theological reflection on a praxis of transformative spirituality for engaging in inter-religious interactions and intercultural peace initiatives. The essence we gathered from the lecture was that “Koinonia facilitates kerygma.” That means it is our good conduct or witnessing that facilitates the proclamation of the Good News. Yes, we need to walk in harmony with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and believers of other faiths. We need to uplift human conditions together. However, let us not forget that the success of interreligious dialogue is dependent on God’s grace.