Devotion to Mary

(Excerpt from the homily of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. in the Marian Exhibit Year 3 at Abreeza Mall of Davao.)

Early in high school, I was introduced to the devotion of the Blessed Mother. When I was studying in high school in Lupon, Davao Oriental, there was a Catholic School there. And the whole poblacion of Lupon would conduct house to house visitation of Mary.

I am bringing this story because for many times, our faith, the catholic faith, is manifested in the devotion to Our Mother.

If you take out the faith to our Mother, that makes it a little less Filipino, but “el pueblo amante de Maria” as I said in the beginning of the exhibit, people in love with Mary.

This Marian Exhibit is the responsibility of the Archdiocese of Davao to keep the spirit and devotion because it enriches our faith. Our close relationship to the Blessed Virgin Mary would really strengthen our faith.

One of the mandates of a Bishop is to confirm the faith of the people. But this morning, you confirmed my faith.

Thank you so much!

Just yesterday, I was in Isabela, Basilan because yesterday morning, a new bishop was ordained in Basilan for Basilan, Bishop Leo Dalmao.

The second host is the Zamboanga City because from there, you have to cross to the island of Isabela.

The nuncio was not able to attend but he sent the first secretary to the nunciature, Msgr. Gabriel Viola, an Argentian, was there to represent in his stead. The nuncio was there in Rome to accompany the Bishops from Visayas.

He told me, “Before I went to bed in Zamboanga, I went out of the Archbishop’s residence and I went to the Shrine of Nuestra Señora La Virgen Del Pilar because I had one petition to bring to the Blessed Mother.”

I was humbled by him.

He added, “I had one boss, a nuncio, before my assignment here who is very sick. I thought I had to go to this great shine of the Lady of the Pilar to ask for a miracle to be given to this nuncio.”

This shows that our devotion to the Blessed Mother is no joke. This is part of our faith. Mary brings us close to the font of grace, healing, comfort, and salvation.

To Jesus, through Mary!