San Pedro Poveda Parish celebrates 3rd Parochial Fiesta

The San Pedro Poveda Parish recently celebrated its 3rd Parochial Fiesta with the theme, “Nagkahiusang piniyalan nga naglawig padulong kang Kristo uban sa giya ug pangama ni San Pedro Poveda.” A spiritually enriching 9-day novena, which started on July 19 and then concluded on July 27, centered in honoring the life and legacy of San Pedro Poveda, an educator, priest, and martyr. That a joyful event like this brought together the parish community in a series of reflective masses, a colorful procession, and vibrant nights full of entertainment.

Each day of the novena was followed by a Holy Mass presided by the different priests from the Archdiocese of Davao. The lineup of mass presiders included: (1) Rev. Fr. Julius Lugay; (2) Rev. Fr. Soren Abellanosa; (3) Rev. Fr. Alcris Panganiban; (4) Rev. Fr. Angelo Espinas; (5) Rev. Fr. Cecilio Canico; (6) Rev. Fr. Junel Bustamante; (7) Rev. Fr. Ranie Boy Pamplona; (8) Rev. Fr. Amiel Arado, and (9) Rev. Fr. Ritzchild Cariaga. Notably, eight (8) of these priests were newly ordained into the Archdiocese of Davao on June 20 and 29, 2024, bringing fresh perspectives and fervent dedication to their roles during the novena.

Presenters in the series of ‘Parish Nights,’ were also the Mass Sponsors in each day of novena masses. The San Pedro Poveda Parish Youth Apostolate headlined the parish night with PASASALAMAT, a thanksgiving night after a recently-concluded First Summer Youth Camp. Followed by Barangay Night, where, the Local Government Unit of Barangay Catalunan Pequeño hosted a shimmering ‘Gala Night,’ showcasing their talent and grace. The Senior Citizens’ Night was postponed due to heavy rain and localized thunderstorms. However, the Parish Nights further moved forward with the School Night. The educators and students from select schools in Catalunan Pequeño were able to perform and showcase their talents. Then succeeded by the Homeowners Associations Night, where board of trustees across various HOAs in the Barangay were present. Finally, the Parish Night concluded with Ministerial Night on July 25, where all GSLs across ministries gathered and showcased their talents. Although some of the sectors haven’t had the chance to perform due to inclement weather, the Senior Citizens were able to showcase their talent during the Fiesta day.

The celebration reached a peak with a grand procession of saints that took place on the early morning of July 27, before the ninth novena Mass, with the procession starting at 4 AM. The procession featured images and statues from all 24 Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs) within the parish, parading in a vibrant display of faith and community spirit. The procession was a highlight, as parishioners of all ages, young and old, have gathered to honor their saints and celebrate their faith. It served as a moving prelude to the final day of the novena, reflecting the deep devotion and unity of the San Pedro Poveda Parish community. This year’s novena and procession were a testament to the parish’s vibrant faith life and the strong bond within the community, marking a significant and uplifting conclusion to this important spiritual event.

For the first time in the parish history, the 3rd Parochial Fiesta Celebration fell on a Sunday. The usual morning Mass Schedules were slightly adjusted with the third mass at 8:00 in the morning being in Cebuano Mass in place of English Mass. Furthermore, the adjustment was to give space for the Pontifical Mass, where Cebuano as a lingua franca for the mass is customary as per the Archbishop. The presider in this Holy Celebration in honor of San Pedro Poveda was Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D.

After the Pontifical Mass, it was followed by a short program, Salo-salo, and the First Raffle Draw in the afternoon. The Raffle Draw is another Income Generating Project (IGP) of the parish aimed at the continuity of the construction of the parish church structures. In addition, the Raffle Draw is a progressive IGP, spanning with three different draw dates. Notably, the first draw date falls on the fiesta day, the second draw date on October 31, and Grand Draw Date on December 3, the Parish Foundation Day. During the First Raffle Draw, around twenty (20) people received a consolation prize of 25-kls. Rice and one (1) winner received a major prize, a 75” Samsung Smart TV.

The Fiesta Activities were a resounding success. As Fr. Menying puts it in his closing remarks after the First Raffle Draw, “this is the essence of Nagkahiusang Piniyalan,” referring to the joyous gathering of the parishioners and churchgoers and their significant contribution in building the church. (John Emman Magallanes & James Corage | San Pedro Poveda Parish SoCCom)