A Steward Among Us: 2nd Exhibit’s Tribute to Mary

In line with the celebration of the Month of the Holy Rosary, the 2nd Parish Marian Exhibit of St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish in Buhangin was unveiled and opened to the public last October 20 to October 27, 2024 at the Parish Seminar Hall. This activity highlights the importance of Mary’s role as a steward bearing God’s greatest gift to the world who is the Lord Jesus Christ. It also encourages the parishioners to partake in the praying of the Holy Rosary and to always seek for the intercession of the Blessed Mother not only for themselves but for the peace of the entire world.

The opening was done after the 3:30 pm mass last October 20 followed by the paraliturgy. Rev. Fr. Dionisio “Diony” Tabiliran, Parish Priest shared five key points that encompassed the exhibit: 1. Culminate the Month of the Holy Rosary 2. Identify ourselves with Mary and express our appreciation to her as the Mother 3. Learn from her especially her virtues as a true disciple of her Son Jesus Christ 4. Mary as the model of faithfulness, obedience, openness to the will of the Father and 5. Ask Mary to intercede for us to her son. Fr. Diony also blessed the 12 Marian Images that were exhibited by the different zones and ministries including the people who were present in the opening of the exhibit.

From October 21 to 27, the prayer of the Holy Rosary commenced daily at 5 p.m., followed by Marian reflections presented by Catholic Faith Defenders, including Bro. Jet Garcia, Bro. Danilo Aparece, and Bro. Hector Damaso. Their insights enriched the community’s understanding of devotion to Mary. Each evening concluded with the Holy Mass, celebrated by either Fr. Diony, Fr. Boy Roland Ong, or Fr. Cecilio Canico.

Last October 27, 2024, after the 3:30 pm mass, the Marian Exhibit culminated through a solemn procession from the parish towards Gaisano Grand Citygate and back to the parish. The faithful from the different zones joined the procession while praying the Holy Rosary and holding their lighted candles.

In addition to the Marian procession, the parish organized a “Divine Cosplay,” where each zone selected representatives to dress as their favorite saints, complete with traditional attire and accessories. This initiative aimed to counter the popular Halloween practice of wearing spooky costumes by celebrating the lives of holy men and women instead. Participants in the Divine Cosplay also joined the Marian procession, symbolizing how the saints, together with the Blessed Mother, journey alongside us—the Pilgrim Church—toward Jesus Christ. (Allyza Hope Tabigue, GKK SoCCom)