Mary, Star of the 38th Parochial Journey

Radiant and brilliant is she. She paves and lights up the path of those who walk towards her Son, Jesus Christ. In this year’s 38th Parochial Fiesta Celebration of St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish Buhangin, Mother Mary is being seen as a companion to the journey in this Archdiocesan Diamond Jubilee.

“Santa Maria, Bitoon sa Hiniusang Pagpanaw sa mga Piniyalan niining ika-75 nga Jubileong Kasaulogan” is the theme for the 2024 Fiesta Celebration. This year’s lineup of events highlights the devotion of the parishioners towards the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and at the same time recognizes and celebrates the camaraderie among GKK Servant Leaders (GSLs) and Parish Recognized Organizations (PARECO)

One of the main events of the fiesta celebration was the 10-day Panaw Duaw / Marian Pilgrimage 2024. The Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of the Perpetual Rosary visited a host chapel in each of the 10 zones within the parish vicinity. GSLs and members offered a vigil until midnight, followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass. It started on September 25 and ended on October 5, 2024. This pilgrimage alone underwent various challenges because of the weather. There were instances when heavy rain made it challenging to transfer the Pilgrim Image to the next host chapel. One such occasion occurred during the Mass at GKK San Vicente Ferrer in Uyanguren, the host chapel of Zone 8, when a strong downpour and a power outage disrupted the celebration. Yet, despite these obstacles, the faith of the people remained solid and ablaze.

The 9-day novena Mass at the parish began on September 27, 2024, and concluded on October 5, 2024. On the final day, a Procession Caravan took place, featuring not only the image of the parish patroness but also the images of the Zonal Patronesses. The procession followed a route that started on Cabantian Road, passing through Amakan/Forrestal Road, Communal, CDE/Pag-ibig Road, Diversion Road/Underpass, Jade Valley/Juliville Road, Tigatto Road, Milan Buhangin, and then returned to the parish. Along the route, parishioners and GSLs waved their flaglets, offering bright smiles and reverence as the image of the Patroness passed by.

Last October 6, 2024 at 10:00 am, the first Sunday of the Month of October, and the month of the Holy Rosary, the Pontifical Mass was presided by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. the Archbishop of Davao. Rev. Fr. Cecilio Canico, Parochial Vicar and Rev. Fr. Romeo Coronel, OSA concelebrated the mass. During the Mass, Archbishop Valles encouraged the faithful to be inspired by Mary’s deep faith. He emphasized the need to ask the Lord for the grace to become like children once again, trusting in God’s love. He reflected on how, as children, we must stretch out our small hands to grasp God’s loving hand, with the Blessed Mother helping us along the way.

After the Pontifical Mass, a fellowship lunch at the gymnasium followed wherein each zone had designated areas where they prepared food to be shared. A vibrant program was spearheaded by the Parish Youth Ministry. There were parlor games prepared for both kids and youth but the main event featured the Retro Theme in which various dance presentations from the different eras of songs and dance were energetically performed by the GSLs and PARECO.

Rev. Fr. Dionisio Tabiliran, Parish Priest expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated, supported and made this 38th Parochial Fiesta Celebration successful and memorable.

As we celebrate this Parochial fiesta and the month of October as the Month of the Holy Rosary, St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish aims to continue honoring the Blessed Mother as she never ceased to intercede for us. At the same time, the importance of praying the Holy Rosary is emphasized as a powerful spiritual weapon in our daily battle against the forces of evil. (Allyza Hope Tabigue, SMPRP GKK SoCCom)