OLLP Journeying Together with Mama Mary

Looking forward on its third decade, the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (OLLP) in Bangkal celebrates its 21st Parochial Fiesta on February 11, 2024 with the theme: “Katawhan nga nagkahiusang nagapanaw uban ni Maria, ang Birhen sa Lourdes, padulong sa ikatulong dekada.”

A month-long celebration of parishioners welcomed its patron pilgrim statue in the 25 Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs) with GKK pilgrim masses and novenas starting from January 4 until February 1 facilitated by respective Pangulo sa Katilingban (PSKs), with the patron pilgrim statue being transferred from one GKK to another, a gesture of journeying together with Mama Mary.

After the last day of pilgrim mass, a novena, with prayer of the Holy Rosary was held in the Parish Church from February 2-10 led by designated Pangulo sa Liturhiya (PSLs), which were followed by Novena Masses respectively with floral offerings by the parish’s seven districts, Marian Apostolates, and Knights of Columbus.

On the last day of Novena Mass, on February 10, a procession caravan was held at 4:30 dawn routing around parish perimeters led by parish priest, Father Henry Campeon, and resident priest Father Fernando Ingente, SM, participated by hundreds of parishioners representing the 25 GKKs of the parish.

In the evening of February 10, GSLs and distinguished parishioners were gathered at the parish gym for ‘Gabi ng Pasasalamat’ wearing Filipiniana attire. The event was full of food, laughter, songs and surprises; with Talomo Brgy. Captain Atty. Luis Alexis Villarente and Brgy. Kagawad Joel Juegos in attendance.

The apex of the 21st Parochial Fiesta celebration was the Pontifical Mass on the feast day of the Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11, officiated by Davao Archbishop, Most Rev. Romulo Valles, D.D., concelebrated by OLLP Parish Priest Father Henry Campeon along with four other clergies.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles stressed the importance of the humble request of the leper, “if you wish, you can make me clean,” with this, our Lord Jesus was ‘moved with pity’ and healed the leper; and Mama Mary, our Lady of Lourdes, reminds us “to go to Jesus, and that if we humble ourselves, we are assured of God’s mercy and compassion.”

The Pontifical Mass with livestream coverage by 89.9 DXGN Spirit FM Davao, sponsored by 107 generous mission partners, was highlighted with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the elderly; and hundreds of parishioners received the said sacrament to enjoy the mercy and compassion of Jesus, the Messiah, through the intercession of Mama Mary, our Lady of Lourdes.

Viva Maria, our Lady of Lourdes!

(Vonz M. Hijada, MAT, OLLP SoCCom)