Unfazed by terror: Ascension of the Lord Parish 16th Parochial Fiesta

With an overarching hope despite the strife in Mindanao, the Ascension of the Lord Parish (ALP) celebrated its 16th Parochial Fiesta with the theme “Ang Pagsaka ni Kristo sa Langit: Sukaranan sa Atong Makanunayong Misyon isip Nagkahiusang Kristohanong Katilingban”.

The week-long festivities opened with the nine-day novena last May 19. With this, a pilgrimage was also done across the 10 zones of ALP.

In line with the festivities and in order to answer the challenge of the Year of the Parish as a Communion of Communities, ALP through the Parish Medical Apostolate and together with the Parish Social Action Ministry, the Alexian Brothers, PAMET, students from the University of the Immaculate Conception, and several medical volunteers conducted a medical mission at the Putling Kasing-kasing ni Maria GKK Lower Wines Calinan of the San Pedro Calungsod Parish in Baguio District, last May 21. Various medical services such as Pediatric, Internal Medicine, OB-Gyne, and Dental consultation, Pap smear, Circumcision, Urinalysis, Stool exam, CBC, Blood typing, HGT, and even free haircut were offered to the members of the said community. The arduous hearts of the volunteers proved to be tougher than the rough roads leading to Wines Calinan, Baguio District as the latter did not hinder the former from extending help and expressing love.

During the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord and the fiesta day mass last May 28, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD, Archbishop of Davao, emphasized the message of the Lord’s ascension in his homily.

“His ascension is our upliftment that warms our hearts,” he said.

Most Rev. Valles also noted that the Lord “shows us that the coast is clear, the highway is open” through His ascension.

In light of the recent events in Marawi City and the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao, the Archbishop also emphasized that in the celebration of a fiesta, “we go through suffering. We go through darkness with overarching hope.”

Due to the terror looming over the southern part of the country, he called on everyone to “let them experience the love and salvation that the Lord has shown to us” by becoming like Christ to others, especially to the victims of terrorism and to the people behind the attacks.

The Archbishop also spearheaded the blessing of the newly-built Chapel of the Saints in ALP. Parish Priest Fr. Leonardo “Bong” Dublan, Jr. in his words of thanks before the fiesta mass ended, said that the chapel is the fruit of the unity among the parishioners. Soon, images of the same sizes will be visible for visitation. Meantime, they are being readied for public viewing.

Afterwards, the festive atmosphere continued with the Pista sa Nayon. Several parlor games and prizes for the children were prepared. GKKs from the 10 different zones gathered as one family in an intimate community lunch. Each zone also showcased the talents of their members through a series of intermission numbers during the program. Simultaneously, families also enjoyed the Kainan sa Daan on the streets of GSIS Subdivision, Matina.

Finally, the youth of ALP wowed everyone with their Kanta-Sayaw-Drama (KASADRA) presentation which summarized the history of the parish in a creative and musical manner. Despite the limited number of days for preparation, the youth managed to pull off a much-applauded spectacle for everyone.

What started as a humble gathering of a fervent few in a small garage during Sundays has now grown into a community that continues to grow better together. In spite of the threats, the ALP family held on to an all-embracing hope as everyone celebrated the week-long festivities of the 16th Parochial Fiesta.

With the desire for more good things to happen through the Lord’s ascension, the ALP family imparted a message of how resilient Davaoeños can be and how one should rise up just as how Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. (Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar | ALP SoCCom)