OLLP Bangkal celebrates 16th parochial fiesta

The Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal joyfully celebrated more than a week of its 16th Parochial Festivities. The daily novena masses in OLLP started on February 1 were mostly officiated by its Parish Priest Father Leonie “Toto” España; while Father Urbano Pardillo presided last February 2 and Father Ernesto Salvar last February 4. The entire celebration remained peaceful with the lookout of the parish security and PDART headed by Norjun Bernasor, along with the assistance of barangay police.

Four schools participated during the Schools Night as an opening salvo of OLLP cultural nights, namely: Doña Soledad Dolor Elementary School, Leon Garcia Elementary School, International Christian School of Davao, and Jesus and Mary Thevenet School. Respective principals and teachers were present in support to students who rendered cultural dances which were appreciated much by Father España. Cultural shows were facilitated by Socio-Cultural Coordinator Iris Melliza and GKK Coordinator Alice Lancian.

The parish youth also puffed out their various millennial talents by district during their Youth Night on February 3 as they have proven their enthusiasts as beloved, gifted and empowered in this Year of the Youth. With Rev. Efren Gubac Jr. now in OLLP for his parish exposure, many youth were inspired and admired with the presence of this young and sensational deacon during the Youth Night.

Also highlighted in the celebration, within more than a week of parochial festivities, was the blessing of the new 6-foot statues of Our Lady of Lourdes with Saint Bernadette and of Saint Joseph with the Little Jesus. These couple of huge statues placed juxtaposed with the altar truly captured the eyes of the worshipers praying inside the church.

Parishioners expressed their camaraderie and sportsmanship during the OLLP fiesta volleyball for female and basketball for male. Team Sangyaw participated by combined PSP and LCCP won the Championship in the volleyball for female, followed by the Team Beauty participated by PSK, PSA and CCRS as Second Placer. The basketball for male was won by District 1 for the Championship, while District 2 hurdled for Second Place. Father España gave prizes to all participating teams in volleyball and basketball. All sports ball games were facilitated by Sports Committee headed by Violeta Umbay.

Leaders’ Night on February 8 was quite exciting as the distinguished leaders from the seven districts of the parish and the members of Parish Pastoral Council had rendered dances inspired by Moslem culture and on various historical periods in the Philippine history, particularly during Spanish, Japanese, American, and during the decades of 60s, 70s, 80s, and the present generation. “Makalingaw ug makatagbaw ang talagsaong mga talento sa mga lider,” bellowed one of the viewers from audience. The continuous presentations hailed spectators’ contentment on the surprising talents of parish leaders.

During the fiesta day, parishioners gathered at five in the morning of February 10 for the early procession of all GKK with their patron statues followed by the Holy Eucharist. Pontifical Mass was done at nine in the morning officiated by Bishop George Rimando. “We are inspired by the message of our Gospel today according to Luke with Peter’s humble response to Jesus’ challenge to lower the nets despite personal limitations; somehow the same message of humble response of Mary, our Lady of Lourdes,” highlighted Bishop Rimando in his homily.

After the last Mass in the morning, parishioners gathered at gym by district for the fellowship lunch; and parlor games were facilitated that delighted them while eating. Parishioners were satisfied and grateful as Father España made true to his promise of giving away one lechon per district. The friendly basketball game match was done in the evening with Davao Clergy topped the PSL Team with the final score of 108-94, while the parishioners were overwhelmed with enjoyment as they watched the game.

After the game, all players joined Religious Fellowship Night where diners enjoy dinner with ambiance of Japanese Sushi Bar of the Seven Bar Café exceptionally offered by Father España while listening to the music of live band headed by PSL Coordinator Ruben Sumagang. “The wonderful setting with the delightful food and music are so relaxing after our exciting game in tonight’s fiesta,” remarked one PSL while dining during the fellowship dinner despite they lost their match with the Davao Clergy.

In the morning of February 11, the OLLP launched the Day for the Sick when hundreds of sick and aged parishioners flocked in the church and received the Sacraments of Eucharist, Confession and Anointing of the Sick officiated by the ever-generous Parish Priest Father España. After the Mass, the sick and aged parishioners were also given their nutritious meals for lunch facilitated by PSAM and PSA headed by their respective coordinators Ofelia Bautista and Vicky Macaday.

The success of the entire OLLP 16th Parochial Fiesta Celebration was overall facilitated by Service Committee Coordinator Alice Acebedo, PPC Lay Coordinator Nestor Fruto and OLLP Parish Priest Father Leonie “Toto” España. (Vonz M. Hijada, MAT | OLLP SoCCom)