Being drawn closer to the Lord, becoming witnesses for others

“O God who taught the whole world through the preaching of the blessed apostle Paul, draw us, we pray, nearer to you through the example of him whose conversion we celebrate today.” This is the so called collect or opening prayer during the Mass of the conversion of Saint Paul, the apostle.

In his homily during the 39th Parochial fiesta of San Pablo Parish, located in Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City last January 25, 2022, Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., started his reflection by reminding the faithful gathered around the Eucharistic celebration, that this fiesta is not only about the life and mission of Saint Paul but that it should bring us closer to the Lord, as the prayer tells us.

Archbishop Valles emphasized that the fruit of this gathering in celebration of the fiesta of Saint Paul must lead us closer to the Lord. He said, “Very important thing as we gather today that through St. Paul’s example, intercession we will go closer to the Lord, nearer to the Lord. And by having that closeness with the Lord we become witnesses of the truth to the world today, that is the good news nga pwede gyud we become like St. Paul. In other words, we become close to Jesus, to the Lord and consequently mura’g automatic nga result that to become witnesses of the Lord to people of the world today.”

Before the final blessing of the concelebrated Mass with Fr. Allan Rodriguez, Parish Priest, Archbishop Valles thanked the people for their support to the call to help the victims of “Odette”. He congratulated Fr. Allan for the prompt reply as the parish is one among those with high collection remitted to the office of the Chancery who quickly responded to the need for help.

With the simple celebration of the said fiesta due to the present health protocols, parishioners reflected on the theme, “San Pablo, Giya sa Sinodong Paglawig Karong Tuig sa Jubileo sa Pilipinas.”