Sacred Heart Obrero welcomes Abp. Valles for Pastoral Visit, hails unique reception

On April 22, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. began his Pastoral Visit to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero with an enthusiastic spirit of welcome from the parishioners underlined by its unique Chinese welcome. The pastoral visit of the archbishop to the parish was scheduled from April 22 to 24.

The arrival of the archbishop on the first day was marked with a colorful dance salvo and a presentation of a Chinese dragon dance connecting to the strong Filipino-Chinese influence in the parish.

In his homily during the Opening Mass of the visit, Archbishop Valles expressed his overwhelming joy from the welcome he received. He furthered that the parish has the special privilege to have ties with Filipino-Chinese heritage which has taken root in the parish through the years.

After the Mass, Archbishop Valles met with members of the Parish Pastoral Council, heads and coordinators of various parish ministries and organizations. A fellowship dinner was shared after which was a conference with the archbishop on matters concerning service in the church as well as concerning aspects on worship and formation.

For the second day of the Pastoral Visit, the Archbishop was welcomed to the Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) of Our Lady of Fatima in Palm Village, Obrero. There, the Archbishop celebrated a Mass together with the community. The celebration was followed by dinner and questions from members of the GKK.

The Pastoral Visit was concluded with a Mass at the Main Church on the third day. In his homily, the archbishop expressed his joy and gratitude that in the three days of his visit the warmth of welcome was deeply imprinted. On the final day was scheduled for an encounter with the youth of the parish with the archbishop. (Francis Rey Panerio – SHJP SoCCom)