Pueblo Amante de Maria | 1st Parochial Marian Exhibit held at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Tibungco

Within the celebration of Flores de Mayo as well as the month of Mary, a Marian exhibit is conducted by the Saint Francis Xavier Parish. The Exhibit was formally opened after the 7:00AM mass last May 8, 2022. During the opening of the Exhibit, Rev. Fr. Jun Gimeno led the blessing of the Marian images and icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The said exhibit is located at the side chapel of the parish and is open every Sunday until May 28, 2022. The goal of this Marian Exhibit is not only to show the different beautiful images, statues, and the many outstanding “titles” of the Blessed Virgin Mary but to inform people about her life and how she continues to inspire and touch us.

The Saint Francis Xavier Parish invited some parishes and Marian Families to be part of the Marian Exhibit and borrow their Marian Icons and statues namely:

• Our Lady of Divine Love, and Our Lady of Banneux from St. James the Apostle Parish, Bunawan
• Our Lady of China from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero
• Mary Help of Christians from Nolan Angeles
• Mary, Untier of Knots from Mary Ann Almeria
• Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Sorrows, and Our Lady of Montserrat from Lawrence Vidanes
• Our Lady of Guadalupe from USEP BEC Chapel
• Rosa Mystica from Evelyn Gramaje
• Our Lady of Mt. Carmel from Marco Salazar and;
• From the Gastanes Family the Oldest Marian Image in the Philippines, The Nuestra Señora de Guia, The Festejada Image of Saint Francis Xavier Parish

Mother Mary’s numerous apparitions and messages serve as a reminder that she is always ready to aid us in fulfilling our responsibilities as followers of Christ: to love God and love our neighbors, particularly those in need. She has come to bring us closer to Jesus. She is an essential part of our Christian faith and spiritual journey. As a model of faith, hope, and love, Our Mother challenges us to live simple, humble lives like hers.

“Let us ask Our Lady to teach us how to live our faith in our daily lives and make room for the Lord,” Pope Francis once remarked. Our Blessed Mother embraces all individuals with her motherly love and care, just as a mother hugs her son. She wants us to love God, give Him some of our time through good acts and other means, and avoid sin.

Viva Maria! Viva Jesus!

(Paul Angelo L. Gastanes)