Chronicling Mama Mary’s Visit in Sta. Cruz

Here are photos and captions sent to us by the St. Joseph Parish Documentation Team headed by Ms. Blaze Q. Cantaros (SUGID-Digos) on the joyful arrival and the emotional departure of Our Lady of Fatima’s image in Sta. Cruz, on February 8-9, 2017.

IT IS ANOTHER event when St John Paul II and St Joseph Parishes joined and put efforts together in welcoming an important figure of the church, the first being the IEC symbol and this one. Really nice seeing all the collaborations, involvement of the parishioners and the spirit of one family, one community, one church…Welcome to Sta. Cruz, Digos, Davao del Sur, Our Lady of Fatima pilgrim image!

THE ARRIVAL AT ST. JOHN PAUL II SUB-PARISH.

The church bell rings continuously, the people wave their blue and white flaglets while chanting Viva Maria! Viva Jesus! The upbeat welcome rendition of the band and the seemingly inexhaustible smiles on the faces of everyone were present. You will even notice some hugging each other expressing their joy. The experience was completely awesome! Sta. Cruz is a Marian “country,” no doubt.

Lighted candles on the street

AND THE MERRIMENT continues on the street. You’ll witness the children of all ages chanting Viva Maria! Viva Jesus! along the way. You’ll also witness some adults lined-up on the street with candles spread on the curb. Truly, the visit of Mama Mary brings the people of Sta. Cruz in complete jubilation.

“ANGELS” waiting for the arrival of Our Lady of Fatima image. They shower the Lady with fresh rose petals and assorted flowers upon entrance to the St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Sta Cruz, on February 8.

THE WELCOME MASS officiated by Bishop Guillermo V. Afable, DD of the Diocese of Digos and was concelebrated by Parish Priest, Fr. Ronald Lunas and the Rogationist fathers. The Bishop in his homily emphasized the great love of Our Lady of Fatima to all those who revere and honor the church and its teachings. He said further that despite the sinfulness of men and women of the church, God always have a heart ready to forgive.

IT WAS A VERY EMOTIONAL moment after the thanksgiving mass early morning of Thursday, Feb 9, 2017. Everyone is trying to hold back their tears as the image was being held up for her departure. Looking around, you see a lot of women crying, while waving hands to bid goodbye. Some are hugging to comfort each other. As I try to get some ladies to talk about their emotions, the common reason for it was they remember their mothers who passed away many years ago. Nobody wants to see a situation of a mother leaving. Farewell Mama Mary. We will continue to pray the rosary, wear your scapular and observe the first Saturdays as you told us.