Caraga Parish Fiesta Instills Togetherness

MATI CITY – The oldest parish of the diocese of Mati, San Salvador del Mundo in Caraga, Davao Oriental, marked its 129^th parochial fiesta last July 16, 2013, side by side with the 110^th founding anniversary of the municipality.

Both Church and local government officials planned the two-day festivities on July 15-16, 2013 that culminated the 9-day novena and nightly presentations, including the inaugural rites of the newly-elected officials, sponsored and participated in by contingents from the LGU, barangays, GKKs & parish organizations, PA/PNP, academe, business sector, Po’s and NGO’s, electric and telecommunications companies, various civic organizations such as the women’s and senior citizens’ groups, and donor families.

The presence of province-level and congressional officials who sponsored the last two nightly presentations, i.e., Governor’s Night with Live Entertainment by the Phil. Army Band (July 15), Congressman’s Night with Live Entertainment by the Phil. Army Band (July 16)—indeed “underlined the togetherness of Church and State in striving to respond to the multifarious needs of the residents, especially the 10,000 families affected, with  damaged coconut and fishing livelihood, along with school and government structures,” according to parish priest Fr. Uldarico A. Toroba Jr.

Fr. Toroba added that “this is a time to bring together the community and to celebrate God’s love for everyone as one family united in God’s name, helping each other and accepting each other’s differences and imperfections…as we journey forward, offering each other the best that is within our hearts.”

Bishop Patricio H. Alo officiated at the Solemn Fiesta Mass at 9:00 AM , with over 20 diocesan priests concelebrating, and expressed utmost “gratitude for the unity and commitment of Church and LGU in achieving the Caragueños’ dreams for a new tomorrow.”

By: Sr. Marietta H. Alo