Pastoral Visit: Taking the Pulse of the Church

Being heard, felt, and seen amidst the hustles and bustles of this world, gives people a sense of comfort and belongingness to a community—that is what the parishioners of the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish have experienced during the three-day pastoral visit of the Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D.. A pastoral visit is more than just checking what is in the parish but it is a sacred moment of having a deeper connection between the pastor and the people as it is a tangible expression of their love, care, and concern, it is knowing how the faithful parishioners are strong and alive in their parish.

Children, young people, and adults coming from the gkk’s and parish organizations had the chance to welcome and have an encounter with the archbishop on the first-day of his pastoral visit. It was a moment of opportunity for the parishioners to share their personal stories and ask questions to the pastor where Archbishop Valles had listened and responded actively through sharing his wisdom to the people.

I would like to highlight an important takeaway from one of his answers during the encounter with the Archbishop wherein he said that leaders of the church should keep in touch with the divine and they should be hopeful- stubbornly positive especially in difficult times. A timely reminder not just for the leaders but to all the faithful serving in the church.

During the second day of his pastoral visit, the Archbishop has the time to meet and have a dialogue with the parish staff along with the members of the Parish Coordinating Body (PCB), offering words of appreciation, encouragement, and support to all the activities and events in the parish. He admired the unique practice of the parish as we everyday pray the vespers; it highlights the charism of the Blesssed Sacrement (SSS) community.

The pastoral visit was concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration at Sta. Cruz de Mayo-Acacia GKK, the chosen GKK of the parish. He delivered in his homily the importance of the eucharist, a commemoration of the joys and sorrows of Jesus, a reminder of the unfathomable love of God to his people—ang mga “pinalanggang anak sa Dios”. After the Holy Mass, one of the servant-leaders of the said GKK shared their situation where soon enough, their area will be demolished. However, with the archbishop’s visit, the people are full of hope and inspiration that maybe because of his visit and grace from the Lord, they will still remain in the place.

The pastoral visit of Archbishop Romulo G. Valles at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish made impact on the parishioners to continue in journeying together in serving the Lord with full of love and hope. (Elaiza C. Limpiado – Our Lady of Assumption)