Steward of Faith

March 19, 2024, the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary, Secondary Patron Saint of St. Joseph Parish was celebrated with three (3) Masses at 6:00 AM, the Pontifical Mass, 10:00 AM for Public and Private students and the 5:30 PM (Regular Mass).

The 6:00 AM mass was presided over by Bishop George B. Rimando, Auxiliary Bishop of Davao together with the Parish Priest, Fr. Leonardo “Bong” Dublan, Jr., and Fr. Evan Esmade, the Parish Vicar.

Rev. Eboy Pamplona and Seminarian Jay Marlo Hurano assisted in the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Bishop Rimando mentioned in his homily that the celebration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary was not celebrated only in St. Joseph Parish, in the Archdiocese of Davao, in the Philippines but in the whole world. He said we celebrate the gratitude of the gift of a Saint who became a big part of our salvation and that a great role was played in the life of St. Joseph, the reason why Catholic churches provide a special way to celebrate it with solemnity.

Bishop Rimando cited that the center of the celebration was first the identity of St. Joseph as an ordinary and simple person like us, his righteousness, and obedience to the will of God, and as a result of his righteousness, he is a man of character, a man of principle, an ordinary man and very simple, and second the acceptance of Mary according to God’s will.

Bishop Rimando described St. Joseph as a Steward of Faith.

The Triduum started from March 16 to March 18 with 2 masses each day at 6:00 AM and 5:30 PM. Activities in Triduum were in line with the forthcoming 75th Jubilee Celebration of the Archdiocese of Davao and the 60th Anniversary of St. Joseph Parish. Triduum comprises Worship (mass at 6:00 am), Fellowship (breakfast after 6:00 am mass), Service (Hot Meals on Wheels at SPMC), and Formation (Orientation on the 75th Jubilee Celebration of the Archdiocese of Davao for all GKK Servant Leaders) after the 5:30 PM mass.

The procession was done on March 19, at 4:00 AM followed by the 6:00 AM mass.

On March 19 at 10:00 AM, a simultaneous turnover and blessing of Three (3) Tabang Pabalay ni San Jose to the beneficiaries was done.

Consecration to St. Joseph of 14 aspirant devotees of Batch 14 have experienced a 33-day Preparation which started last February 16 to March 19. The consecration was observed on March 19 during the 6:00 AM mass presided over by Bishop George Rimando. The 33-day preparation gave devotees an experience of knowing the virtues of St. Joseph, particularly as the Husband of Mary.

In the evening after the 5:30 PM Mass, a social gathering was held where each zone made a dance presentation and parlor games contest. (Emy Gamorot)