Digos Celebrates Mary’s Obedience, Help

“Mary is not the queen na nagpacute-cute lang used for fundraising. She is queen because she is Mediatrix,” says Diocese of Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable in his homily as two important events took place at the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral of the Diocese of Digos last August 22, 2015. One of them even has a national significance. These were the 64th Diocesan Patronal Fiesta and the National Launching of the Movement for the Dogmatic definition of Mary’s universal mediation of Grace.

The Patronal Fiesta had for its theme – Maria: Inahan sa mga Kabus. Fiesta highlights include the Novena Masses from August 13-21, reach-out activities to the aged and the sick such as visitation to the Ward National Hospital, Blood Letting and Cataract Screening. There was also a Kasalan sa Parokya. On the feast day itself, a Fiesta sa Nayon event was held at the Lay Formation Center. Moreover, as part of the preparation for the National Launching of the Movement for the Dogmatic definition of Mary’s universal mediation of Grace, a Marian Conference was held on August 19 at the Lay formation Center.

The 21st anniversary of dedication of the Cathedral on August 21 was celebrated with the Holy Mass presided by Bishop Afable.

On August 22, which was also the feast of the Queenship of Mary, the National Launching was held Bp. Afable led the launching on behalf of the Convenor Bishops of said Movement in the presence of Abp. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Bp. George Rimando, Bp. Camilo Gregorio of Batanes, Bp. Antonio Añora of Cebu, Bp. Jose Colin Bagaforo of Cotabato,Bp. Antonieto Cabahug of Surigao, Msgr. Carlito Garcia of Kidapawan, clergy, crusaders of prayer and consecration of the movement, and devotees of Mary Mediatrix of all Grace.

The spiritual journey of the Mediatrix Movement is entrusted to the maternal care, protection and guidance of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, the intercessions of the Marian Saints Louis de Monfort, Maximilian Kolbe, John Paul II and Isidro Labrador were also entreated. The launching was aimed for the revival of the Movement for the dogmatic definition of Mary’s universal mediation of Grace and to spread the devotion to Mary.

In his homily, Bp. Afable recalled that in 1951, the late Abp. Clovis Thibault decided to erect the first parish and named it after Mary. “The last 64 years we have been discovering the story,” he said. Tarps were placed during fiesta starting August 2011 to help people remember. Abp. Thibault also said that Mary has always been honored as Mediatrix between her Son and Man. Bp. Afable reflects that “heaven is not yet finished with us.” Mary, he said is interceding for those who need help, support, comfort and solace. “Let us continue to respond to her exhortation to do what Jesus would like us to do; and the Lord to heal us for us to become of love and mercy for others,” he ended.