Our Lady of Miraculous Medal 8th Parochial Fiesta

Birhen Maria: “Tinubdan sa Kahiusahan, Inspirasyon sa tanan diha sa kalamboan sa Katilingban”

The Medal of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Miraculous Medal, was given by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. Our Lady manifested the Medal to St. Catherine Labouré on November 27, 1830, in the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, in Paris.

This apparition was commemorated at the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Indangan on November 27. Festive and joyous, all roads from surrounding schools and Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) led to the celebration with Fr. Elneri Meñez, their parish priest.

Groundbreaking

The Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new parish took place in the donated one-hectare lot by the family of Msgr. Maximo Sarno. The family is a devotee of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. That is why, they were the given the privilege to name it after her. The location is accessible for both Barangay’s Indangan and Barangay Acacia.

After the Ceremony, the fiesta mass was presided over by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. GKK members contributed food for their zones. Then, afternoon activities followed. The program included animation songs by the youth. Prizes were given away for the trivia winners. The GKK members were entertained by special performances and basketball game played Davao Clergy and invited team. Themed Birhen Maria “Tinubdan sa Kahiusahan, Inspirasyon sa tanan diha sa kalamboan sa Katilingban,” seven (7) booths representing 7 zones under the said parish were decorated.

Valles said, “ang tao dili gyud mabuhi ug sige lang ug ginhawa sa hangin. Ang tao lig-on ug tinuod ang pagkatao kung muginhawa siya sa grasya sa Diyos. That he/she is connected to God.”

Fr. Elneri Meñez was very happy about the outcome and the victory of the fiesta celebration, and was grateful for all the people who contributed and helped in making the event possible. He was asked about when would be his expected year for the parish construction to be completed. He answered, “In God’s time.”

GKK Pilgrimage

Before the parochial fiesta, Mrs. Elizabeth Ronolo, formation coordinator, shared preparations started from August 11 to November 11 with a GKK pilgrimage which highlighted the fiesta. Twenty six (26) GKKs were visited by Fr. Meñez where they brought their patron saint, Mama Mary to each chapel. The purpose included the information dissemination as to the parish’s construction.

Ronolo added that there are two programs laid as fundraising campaigns, such as GKK Parish Support (GPS) and the Pledge of Love where the people will be giving monetary donations of any amount.

As a Grade 5 teacher in Teofilo V. Fernandez Elementary School, her grade 5 pupils came early who helped in cleaning up the parish.

In 2008, the idea of putting up a quasi-parish under St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary was started during the time of Fr. Nelson Lucas, up to Fr. Pete Lamata. In November 27, 2009, the parish was canonically established. It was also the installation of the first parish priest, Msgr. Martiniano Gorgonio who is now assigned in Sta. Ana Shrine Parish. (Patricia Dave Teoxon | HCDC Intern)