Faith is a gift

Excerpt of the Homily of Most Rev. Romulo Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao during the 72nd GKK Fiesta of Birhen sa Kasilak, New Loon, Mintal, September 8, 2019.

Why are you here today? I don’t have anything to give to you. But you are still here with me today. Only you can answer that.

For 72 years, your community continue to be here. And we should be thankful for the gift of faith. Because the life in faith is not just a product of our own action but it is with the grace of God.

Faith is a gift.

I, as the president of the CBCP, am given the chance to have meetings in and out of the Philippines. During those meetings, I am amazed to learn that the mission in Asia in the context that Catholicism is only a minority except in the Philippines and East Timor.

Philippines stands out. That should be a basis for us to appreciate the gift of faith.

This gift of faith allows us to face life by constantly connecting us to the ultimate source of life.

Why is it that 72 years ago, the settlers chose to build a chapel?

Dear young generation, let us take note of their wisdom in choosing to establish a place that will fuel and nurture their faith.

You are the next in line so when this GKK reaches its centennial, it will be your task already. Therefore, take note of how they intended to keep the faith.