Davao Clergy celebrates St. John Marie Vianney Day

“The saints did not all begin well, but they all ended well,” said St. John Marie Vianney.

St. John Marie Vianney is the patron of priests. He was a simple, poor at heart, charitable, and holy. No wonder his very life and exceptional virtues were a great model for any priest to follow. The Fraternity of Diocesan Clergy of Davao (FDCD) celebrated “St. John Marie Vianney Day,” last August 7 in Virgen de Los Remedios Parish (VDLR), Toril. Preparations were made and even its Parish Priest, Fr. Johnny Autida accepted the invitation wholeheartedly to host half of the day’s event since it’s the year of the parish. He said “nangandam gyud mi sama sa physical arrangement ug mga pagkaon para ani nga selebrasyon.” The day started with a Holy Mass at VDLR and was followed with testimonies at the gym.

One testimony from Msgr. Bonifacio Burlaza, a missionary priest for many years shared he survived the life in mission. It means as he said, “I had to learn to do everything on my own,” without anyone’s help, and he did cooking and many simple chores. After him, an active parishioner, Natividad A. Genargue, 66 years old, retired regional executive director of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, also shared her life as a servant of Christ. She inspired the priests on how one sincere parishioner can help make the beating of the heart of the Church right. It means her simple faith perfected in actions was just a product of how God let her see His people. She said, “being in the grassroots made me active in the church. When I saw how many people from drug addicts, the sick, depressed individuals and many people na tabangonon, gusto ko mutabang. When God calls you for service, He will give you the wisdom and knowledge for the mission.”

In the afternoon, the clergy enjoyed leisurely their day through ball games such as basketball and tennis. The basketball was held at St. Peter’s College of Toril while tennis was in held a tennis court in Toril. After the events, they went to Sto. Rosario Parish, Toril for the evening prayer and dinner. It was a simple day just like their simple patron, St. John Marie Vianney. (Jay Ann Peteros)