DECA Tigatto residents celebrate fiesta in a simple yet solemn way

The pandemic, which has greatly affected the spiritual life of all Catholic faithful around the world, did not dampen the faith of the residents of DECA Homes Esperanza Tigatto as they celebrated their 8th patronal fiesta in honor of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The simple yet solemn fiesta began with a 9-day novena. On the 9th day of the novena, the image of the Our Lady was taken outside for the motorcade procession around DECA Tigatto and the clergy blessed the houses of the residents. The people cleaned their houses and decorated their surroundings with potted plants and buntings made of cellophane to put up a simple yet festive mood. On the 19th of September, the residents gathered at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel where the Official Replica of the Black Nazarene was enshrined to join with the GKK servant leaders in the celebration with the Fiesta Mass officiated by the Parish Priest of San Alfonso Maria de Liguori Parish, Rev. Fr. Jemasol Ortiz.

During the Mass, the residents offered roses at the foot of the Virgin paying their homage to Her and to Her Son. After Mass, the community had a potluck lunch for residents and guests. The residents were thankful for the graces they received and they asked God, through Mama Mary’s intercession, that they would be able to overcome the trials and tribulations brought by the pandemic.

Likewise, the residents encouraged the Catholic faithful in Davao City to visit their chapel to pray at the miraculous image of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno which is an official replica from Quiapo Church.

At the Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel, Mass is celebrated every 2nd and last Sunday of the month at 6 o’clock in the afternoon. The community also prays the Novena to the Black Nazarene every Friday at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. There is also a votive candle stand outside the chapel wherein devotees and residents can light a candle and offer prayers to Our Lord. (Davao Nazareno)