“SAN PABLO: Panig-ingnan sa kabalaan diha sa pagpangalagad sa mga layko uban sa Kaparian ug Relihiyoso.”

It is wonderful to celebrate this Mass during the Season of Lent in honor of St. Paul.

Pope John Paul II came to Davao (February 20, 1981) and this inspired the celebration of the fiesta of this parish. We were so touched by his visit in Davao that a parish was built with the inspiration and historical memory of the now St. John Paul II. So there’s no problem of connecting the feast on first Sunday of Lent and the Conversion of Paul and the feast of this parish.

If we come to think of it, having this feast in the Season of Lent is so beautiful. The connection of Lent to our fiesta, recalling the conversion of the Great Apostle, Saint Paul.

The key item here is Baptism. We go through the Season of Lent keeping in mind the gift that we received and that is baptism

All of this is part of the worthy conduct so we will act accordingly as citizens of heaven.

In the desert of life, some of us see it as Boracay, Hong Kong, Paris. Knowing your identity, this life is a desert. It is knowing our identity, and that if we are convinced of our identity that you will not accept the bribe of Satan.

As we walk in this desert, and if we are not sure of our identity, we will look around—everything is deceptively attractive. We might not be aware of our true riches.

Let us look around and who we can grapple as we are tempted by Satan. There are angels around us who can tell us ‘Just do it’.

Walk as a child of God. St. Paul, tabangi kami to be like you, to be converted and go back to Christ. (Excerpts from the homily on the 35th fiesta of San Pablo Parish, February 18)