Encuentro: the meeting of the two hearts

Truly, an experience to behold, an experience so rare; an honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero was privileged enough to receive: the image of the Immaculate Mother’s heart visiting the parish of her son’s Most Sacred Heart.

As part of her pilgrimage throughout the Archdiocese of Davao, the International Centennial Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima (ICPI) visited various parishes for the faithful to catch a glimpse. On October 19, 2022, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero (SHJP), received the ICPI with full gladness and joy with the cries of the faithful of “Viva Maria!” and cloths of white waved across the air. The Eucharistic celebration in honor of the Blessed Mother was then offered. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Gonzaga, parish priest of SHJP, gave thanks for the favor the Blessed Mother has bestowed upon the parishioners of the Sacred Heart Jesus Parish.

Throughout the night, the chants of the Holy Rosary and the songs to Mary were all you could hear. Led by various ministries, GKK leaders and with the faithful, repeatedly the life of Jesus and Mary were relived in the prayers of the Hail Mary and the proclamation of the mysteries. Many remained and joined in the vigil to Our Lady of Fatima. By midnight, as the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, the Nine Offices of the Sacred Heart was recited with reflections and canticles, all to honor Christ through Mary.

As it was, the visit came an end. However, a visit falls short of the description fitting for the occasion. Encuentro, an encounter, such is more fitting to describe the solemnity and holiness of the event. May the Blessed Mother continually be the way in the faith of the church to be closer and be led to Christ. (Francis Rey A. Panerio | Parish SoCCom, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero)