Archbishop Valles inspires OLLP as it celebrates 19th parochial fiesta

Adhering to the minimum health protocol due to COVID-19 pandemic, the 19th parochial fiesta of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal was celebrated last 11 February 2022 with only three Masses: 6am presided by Rev. Fr. Leonie España; 9:30am presided by Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, DD.; and 5pm presided by Fr. Arnulfo Cubero.

Since regular procession was prohibited by the IATF, a caravan procession was held at 8 o’clock in the morning with more than 30 four-wheel vehicles and a number of motorcycles and tricycles that occupied the perimeter roads of the parish.

“My ring (authority) reminds me that you are my family,” Archbishop Valles expressed his happiness during his homily upon seeing many parishioners inside and outside the Church building following the minimum protocol with face masks and social distancing while participating in the Holy Eucharist. He also recalled the last time he celebrated Fiesta Mass in February 2020, a month before the entire city was locked down and all liturgical celebrations were temporarily suspended.

“With joyful hearts, we, along with the priests present here, are celebrating our faith in today’s feast together with you as a believing community of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,” continued Archbishop Valles.

He reminded the faithful that the feast celebrates along with the World Day of the Sick as declared by then Pope John Paul II (now saint); and asserted good news with this celebration that “despite the pandemic, Jesus heals, Jesus does not want us to suffer, and Jesus is life.”

He inspired parishioners as he said, “Blessed Mother tells us to continue the healing, the caring, the comforting, the loving actions of the Lord,” as he cited from John 2:5 on the Wedding at Cana, “do whatever he tells you.”

“Your presence Archbishop Muloy is our strength and inspiration,” said OLLP Parish Priest Henry Campeon as he expressed his gratitude to the archbishop for presiding the Pontifical Fiesta Mass.

Just before he gave his final blessing, Archbishop Valles mentioned the existence of current Archdiocesan Shrines in Davao: Sta. Ana, Saint Jude, Sto. Niño de Praga, and the new San Vicente Ferrer; from which he pronounced the great possibility for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish to become soon an Archdiocesan Shrine, reminding the parishioners to continuously develop the devotions and the works of mercy of the parish; with this, the parishioners applauded and were overwhelmed with joy and inspiration.

“I was extremely surprised when Archbishop Muloy first mentioned the possibility of turning OLLP Bangkal into an Archdiocesan Shrine,” said Parish Youth Coordinator Ninnie Bernasor with gladness, “it would truly be a great honor for our parish and for us parishioners.”

“The image of the Our Lady of Lourdes has been genuinely favored by many; I’ve seen countless grottos and statues of her, not only in churches and chapels, but also in family homes,” said Bernasor. (Vonz M. Hijada, MAT, OLLP SoCCom)