Are We Joyful like St. Francis Xavier?

The St. Francis Xavier Parish in Tibungco celebrated its 57th Parochial Fiesta last December 3 2022, Friday with the theme: “San Francisco Javier: Sumbanan sa pagka maayong piniyalan sa mga gasa sa Dios” The Pontifical Mass presided by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. began at 9:00 o’clock in the morning and was concelebrated by priests: Fr. Proceso “Jun” Gimeno, Fr. Arman Bacalso, and Fr. Roy Mejias.

During the homily, Archbishop Valles said, “Sa pista karon, maayo mutan-aw kita sa ilawom (sa atong dughan) kung unsa ka tinood nga sama kang San Francisco Javier, sa kanang kinahiladman sa atong kasingkasing… anaa ang Dios. Dato man o pobre, kasandigan gayud sa atong kinabuhi ang Ginoo. Kalipay sama kang San Francisco Javier ang pag-ila sa Dios nga anaa diay Siya. Nga sama kang San Francisco Javier nga ato kining ipaambit sa uban. Ang taga Tibungco kay swerte! kay aduna kita’y nindot nga patron nga atong sumbanan kay sama kang Francis Javier nga nagsabwag sa maayong balita.”

Hundreds of devotees flocked to the parish to celebrate the Fiesta of St. Francis Xavier.

After the Pontifical Mass presided by Archbishop Valles, the parishioners and devotees prepared food and drinks to celebrate the Pista sa Nayon in San Francisco at the parish grounds. Fourteen zones enjoyed the food and were also excited to witness the different cultural dances by the various organizations. Aside from the Pontifical Mass, the highlight of this 57th Parochial Fiesta is the Raffle Bonanza with the following prizes:

20 units – Ceiling Fan
5 sacks of rice
1 Electric Fan
1 Rice cooker
1 Washing Machine, and lastly,
The grand prize: a SUZUKI SAMURAI JEEP

Fr. Jun Gimeno thanked everyone who gave their utmost support, from the preparations to the fulfillment of the fiesta celebration. He was ever grateful, most especially to the GSLs and the members of the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance, and other committees.

Viva San Francisco Javier! Viva 57th Parochial Fiesta!!

(Paul Angelo L. Gastanes | SFX Parish SoCCom)