“WE are Catholics”

August 16, 2020, the Sr. San Roque Parish, Malabog celebrated its 26th parochial fiesta with the theme: “Sr. San Roque: Manlalaban sa Katilingban ug Tuburan sa Kaayohan Batok sa Pandemya sa Kasamtangan.”

The theme is inspired by the present situation in this time of pandemic and by the Patron saint of the Parish, Sr. San Roque, who is a healer. San Roque is one of those saints mentioned in the “Oratio Imperata”.

The Pontifical Mass, which observed all the protocols, was presided by the Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao and President of the CBCP and concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Edgar Labagala, Rev. Fr. Rene Ribac, Rev. Fr. William Cajes and Rev. Fr. Arnold A. Balaquinto, parish priest of Sr. San Roque Parish. Rev. Msgr. Jaime Gamboa and Rev. Michael Ondras assisted the Archbishop together with the two pre-deacons, Sem. Ritzchild Cariaga and Sem. Ramir Simbre.

The presence of the Baranggay Captain and the Baranggay Council, and several police officers and auxiliary police were also visible. The celebration was mostly attended by the GKK Servant Leaders (GSLs) who came from remote areas of the parish. They brought with them some foods, fruits and vegetables. The fruits and vegetables were beautifully arranged and displayed on the tables at the back of the rectory. It attracted many people who enjoyed picking up every fruit and vegetable they wanted.

Archbishop Valles said in his homily that we should be thankful for the media because it supplemented the longing of the people to attend Mass. But he emphasized that Livestream mass could not be equal to public Mass, that is, physical gathering. He added that a special Good News is that, “We are Catholics, ug kitang mga Katoliko, molukop kita sa tibuok kalibutan, not in domination and assertion but without borders bringing the mercy and goodness of the Lord.”

To observe social distancing, after the Mass, some people went home while others ate ate their lunch at the seminar house. Most of the foods were prepared and brought by the GSLs. (Imelda Overiz)