Waves of Yellow Spell Mercy

The DADITAMA ecclesiastical sub-region came together for a day of mercy labeled DaDiTaMa Apostolic Congress of Mercy which the Diocese of Digos hosted.

The devotees left homes as early as 3:00a.m. in order to arrive at the venue on time. They were mostly mothers, grandmothers, couples and even group of young people who have proven their devotion once again, each raising their own rosaries as they recited the Chaplet. The Divine Mercy chaplet and songs echoing in the vastness of the Davao del Sur coliseum. The energies, the smiles and hellos were irresistibly contagious. “These are the inmates in heaven, locked up in the love and mercy of the Lord.” Rev Fr. Dariusz Drzewieckis, pointing to the devotees mostly wearing yellow shirts said in his first talk titled: Deepening the Devotion to the Divine Mercy.

The procession of the image and icons of the Divine Mercy was greeted with such tenderness and allegiance. These were the images of St. John Paul II, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, Mother of Mercy and the Divine Mercy (Jesus).

“(My daughter) Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them.” This was explicated more by Rev. Fr. Jay Hector Lituanas, AA. He led everyone to acknowledge the ‘signs’ which Sr. Faustina herself wrote in her diary and indeed we see them happening now. Then he ushered the participants to the many ways of preparing for the end times. “We cannot sit and relax while waiting for his second coming”, said Fr Jay. “While no one knows the specific time, let us always be vigilant because now we know and we see the signs that Jesus is coming soon. This activity now is the day of mercy and we don’t wanna be caught up unprepared in the day of justice,” his final remarks.

While everyone was taking a recess for lunch and personal necessities, they were entertained by some animations led by the young devotees of the Divine Mercy Parish. Some took the chance to have pictures taken by groups and took advantage of the photo booth set for all. A warm and affectionate mood spread across the immenseness of the crowd.

The afternoon activities were just as energetic as it was in the morning. Two more talks were delivered and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Most Rev. Guillermo D. Afable, DD concluded the congress. Certificates and tokens were handed out and words of gratitude was conveyed along with the synopsis of the DMA Mindanao Lay coordinator, Ms. Joji Ilagan Bian.

The whole day event was digitally covered by the Diocesan Social Communications Ministry called SUGID. It was extended to the local tv and radio channels where the hospitals and the local and provincial jails can witness this wave of mercy drifting across the ecclesiastical province of Davao-Digos-Tagum-Mati (DaDiTaMa) and beyond.

Together let us claim the extraordinary promise of the Divine Mercy which is a profound and immense grace of forgiveness for those who trust. “The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of ONE VESSEL ONLY, and that is TRUST. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive.” (The Diary of Sr Faustina, 1578)

(Blaze Q, Cantaros – SUGID | Photos by Blaze Cantaros and LJ Gimenez)