A Vibrant Community Celebration

The 5th Fiesta Celebration for San Vicente Ferrer in Riverside was a vibrant and engaging event with the theme: “San Vicente Ferrer, Sumbanan sa Pag-ampo Alang sa Kalinaw, Uban sa Sinodong Katawhan Isip Piniyalan ni Kristo.” The members completed the nine-day novena before the Fiesta Mass on April 27, 2024. After the novena, the Holy Mass became the focal point of the festival, allowing participants to thank the Lord during His banquet. It was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias, St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine Parish Priest, together with Rev. Julius Lugay. The fiesta was a spiritually uplifting experience for the Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK), with more than two hundred members participating in the Holy Mass.

The initiative of the Parish Pastoral Team to visit the GKK Servant Leaders and members before the fiesta demonstrated a strong sense of community and communication within the parish. Sharing the ongoing programs and activities of St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine Parish helps keep everyone informed and involved. Celebrating traditions and fostering community spirit are essential aspects of parish and GKK life, with everyone joining together to make the 5th Fiesta Celebration memorable.

A concise background of the San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, situated in Brgy 9-A, Camilla Riverside, San Rafael, Davao City, was shared. Seeking to strengthen their faith and community presence, the residents, leaders, and affiliates of the United Businas Muslim Christian Neighborhood Association collaborated to construct the chapel. They obtained permission from the community, under the oversight of St. Jude Parish, and formally inaugurated the chapel on April 28, 2019, with the participation of 186 member families. Up until now, the GKK members are increasing and are very active in parish and community activities.

In closing, fostering an environment of love and cooperation among all members ensures the continued peace, strength, and unity of the GKK. With this foundation, any challenge that may arise will be promptly addressed, further solidifying the bonds within the community. (Babet A. Paler | St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine Parish SoCCom)