Maintain the unique Chinese culture, Archbishop tells parish

Just in time for the Golden Jubilee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Bo. Obrero, Davao City last June 28 which is also the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus & World Day of Prayer for Sanctification of Priests, Davao Archbishop and Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. amplified a very promising suggestion to the parishioners.

“The son of this parish who was ordained here made beautiful suggestions that I think I could push,” he said before he made the final blessing.

“He said, we can continue to beautify this church through Chinese character. We could make and place the Chinese character of the word love at the dome because the Sacred Heart is love,” the Archbishop said.

Apart from it, he also suggested of other figures that will represent the Chinese community in the said parish.

“And, if possible, he also said, and this may be my suggestion as well, there is a beautiful image of Our Lady, the Our Lady of China that we could also have. Also, at one side, we can have the famous painting of the 120 martyrs of China (that shows) the great faith of the Chinese people,” he said.

Abp. Valles further expressed that he wants to maintain the character of the parish that bears the Chinese culture through the songs in the liturgy, other than physical Chinese figures.

“But more than the physical structures, I was also touched when we sang the Our Father in Chinese. That was beautiful! Also, I think, the Kyrie that was in Chinese is just as beautiful as well,” he said.

“As your Archbishop, I would very much love that more than establishing physical things, we can also have the songs sung in Chinese. This is very unique. This, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, is the only place in the Archdiocese of Davao that is maintained as the Chinese Parish,” he added.

The suggestions of Abp. Valles, he said, reflects his approval to have the said parish maintain its uniqueness.

“I would approve that this could be a parish that would maintain the character of its beginnings and the presence of the Chinese people and the Chinese culture enriched by our faith,” he said.