SASP 74 Years Na!

“May Sts. Anne & Joachim help us so that in the end, we will see small [tiny] signs that after all, God is always with us.” — Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles D.D

It’s been three years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. A lot has happened including health restrictions, specifically prohibition against any gathering. Despite the challenges, Sta. Ana Shrine Parish found various ways to continue its mission. Eventually, the faithful, GKK’s, and ministries arose with such deep faith and devotion to Sts. Anne and Joachim.

Just recently, on July 26, 2023, the Sta. Ana Shrine Parish commemorated its 74th Parochial Fiesta with the theme “Maamgohon, Mapasalamaton, ug Malambigiton nga Piniyalan.” It was celebrated with full joy and gratefulness through different activities such as the Kasalan and Binyagan ng Parokya, and Confirmation (with almost 600 confirmands). Moreover, prayers to show devotion such as novena masses and Simbang Alay Para Kang Sta. Ana took place on July 17-25, 2023.

With Sts. Anne and Joachim being the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ, the parish also celebrated in advance the Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 22, 2023 through a Eucharistic Celebration, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and a short program that filled the hearts of many.

In addition, the parish also celebrated one of it’s most significant events, the 24th Dedication as a Shrine Anniversary on July 24, 2023. Afterwards, GKK & Organization Night and Indak-Indak Pasalamat Kang Sta. Ana ug San Joaquin were held. The launching of the year-long preparation for the #RoadTo75Years of the Parish also transpired. To celebrate the parish’s passion and love of sports, a basketball game was also conducted on the same day, where the Parish Servers, Barangay Leaders and the Davao Clergy played.

On July 25, 2023, hundreds of parishioners of St. Anne joined in the solemn procession after the Holy Mass. Even though it was raining, it did not became a hindrance, all the more the journeying together as stewards of the Catholic faith became significant. Lastly, on the feast day of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the Pontifical Mass was presided by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. at 5:30 in the afternoon.

In his homily, the Archbishop emphasized the twist in realizing that perhaps in our lives, there are moments and aspects which are rocky but there are also grounds and spaces which are fertile soil. He added by asking Sts. Anne and Joachim to intercede for us, to help us when we become discouraged, and to help us to trust again of the mercy and goodness of God. Finally, he concluded his homily saying “It is in God’s own time— God’s design, God’s plan— it is mystery of God’s action that in the end the Lord will never stop hoping that [we] each one of us will produce and harvest a hundredfold.”

In conclusion, devotees and parishioners of Sts. Anne and Joachim went home with their own experiences filled with joy and blessing. It has been shown that despite everything, Sts. Anne and Joachim intercede and God never leaves his flock. Sts. Anne and Joachim, ora pro nobis! (Moana Marie Libre)