Pope’s Pastoral Visit to Davao Remembered, Celebrated

February 20, 1981, Pope John Paul II, now St. John Paul II, made a historic Pastoral Visit to Davao. Thousands of Davaoeños and Mindanawons enthusiastically welcomed the Holy Father shouting loudly and joyfully, “MABUHAY ANG SANTO PAPA.” There were streamers with these words: “VIVA EL PAPA!”, “WELCOME POPE JP II!”

The theme of his homily in the mass celebrated in the Davao International Airport was, “For a Christian, to live is to love.” Pope John Paul II emphasized these words: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and Lo, I am with you always to the close of the age” (Mt. 28:18-20). This inspiring and memorable event forty (40) years ago has to be constantly remembered and celebrated in the spirit of joyful thanksgiving and mission.

The parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Fr. Pedro P. Lamata, wherein the Davao International Airport is under the territorial jurisdiction of his parish, celebrated mass in the airport with the representative of Engineer Rex Obcena, Airport Manager, Mr. Alex Suarez and the airport management officials, staff, employees and some parishioners. One airport official commented, “perhaps, we can suggest to our higher authorities of the Department of Transportation to build a church within the airport premises and we dedicate this in memory of St. John Paul II, whose pastoral visit and mass celebrated in the Davao International Airport made the grounds of this airport a hallowed ground.

The celebration ended with the thanksgiving message of Mr. Alex Suarez in behalf of Airport Manager, Engr. Rex Obcena. Then after the mass a simple merienda and fellowship followed with hearts full of gratitude and joy. (St. Francis of Assisi Parish, La Verna Heights)