Episcopal Blessing: Our Lady of Fatima Parish Welcomes the Bishop

It is with great joy that Our Lady of Fatima Parish welcomed Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. from May 6 – May 8, 2024, for a Pastoral Visit. Archbishop Valles embarked on the community of Our Lady of Fatima bringing with him a message of hope and togetherness for the people who are going through a variety of hardships.

The parishioners together with the priests welcomed the Archbishop with open arms upon his arrival and conveyed their thanks for his visit – the Parish Youth Apostolate offered a song and dance performance to the Archbishop as he entered the church vicinity. Archbishop Valles celebrated the 5:15 PM Mass on the first day of the Pastoral Visit and had dinner with the GKK Leaders at Our Lady of Fatima Academy. After the dinner, the Parish Pastoral Council presented the history of the Our Lady of Fatima and the results of the Synodal consultation and informed the Bishop of the current situation of the parish. Bishop Valles spoke during the meeting with GKK Servant Leaders and Lay Organizations covering themes of fortitude, faith, and compassion. He emphasized the need to stand by one another in trying times and to embrace our faith in Jesus.

During his Mass at GKK Sto. Niño Zone 2 Lizada St. on the second day of the pastoral visit, Archbishop Valles conveyed his gratitude for his remarkable experience when he visited the GKKs under the parish and rode on a small car with the priests. One incident that caught his attention was when a thirty-something woman clasped his hand and said, “Bishop, Iampo ko.” The Bishop was inspired by the woman’s faith and was reminded of his ordination motto, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Right after the Mass, Archbishop Valles blessed the newly constructed GKK chapel of the Our Lady of Fatima Balon after being demolished due to a land dispute. Archbishop Valles also spent time engaging with the people and answering some questions of the GKK members – the happiness and pleasure the parishioners experienced in their service deeply moved Archbishop Valles.

On the third day of the Pastoral Visit, Archbishop Valles had a roundtable discussion with the Parish Staff, the Parish Pastoral Council, and the Finance and Restoration team. Each meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue, where they shared their experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future.

The highlight of the last day of the Pastoral Visit was the short program with the youth called “Pakighimamat; dialogue with the bishop”. The event brought over 100 young people from the parish and academe. The assembly featured open dialogues, and a Q&A segment, providing the youth with a platform to express their views and concerns. The Archbishop’s dedication to developing a close relationship with the younger generation and attending to their spiritual and personal development was highlighted during the program. The Archbishop also urged the young people to take an active role in parish affairs and to assume leadership roles in their communities.

The visit concluded with a vibrant community song and a blessing from the Archbishop. (Novie Jade Ramos – Parish SoCCom | Photos by DCH and OLFP SoCCom)