St. Francis of Assisi, intercede for us

On October 4, 2024, St. Francis of Assisi Parish – Ma-a celebrated its 29th parochial fiesta with the theme, “Malipayong nakighiusa sa ika-75th nga Jubileyo sa Arkidiyosesis sa Davao!”

Days before the feast day, the eight-day novena masses were set from September 25th to October 2nd.

The Socio-Cultural Night, originally scheduled for the evening of October 2nd, has been canceled due to an intense rainstorm. Discussions are currently underway between Msgr. Paul A. Cuison, the parish priest, and the parish pastoral committee to determine a new date for the event.

At the dawn of the parochial fiesta, all 43 GKKs each carried images of their GKK’s respective patron and joined the procession with the parish’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, around Ma-a area.

As the parishioners returned to the church from the procession, the 6:00am Pontifical Mass commenced, celebrated by the Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Davao. He was joined by 19 diocesan clergy who concelebrated alongside him.

Nearing the end of his homily, Archbishop Valles told the congregation to pray to St. Francis of Assisi and ask him to intercede so he can open their eyes and make them see the wonders of the Lord.

“Today, we pray to St. Francis, our patron saint, to open our eyes, again and again, to see the wonders of the Lord — His deeds, the desire of God. To bring us — not only bring us prosperity on Earth but to bring us to everlasting life.”, said Archbishop Valles.

Two more holy masses were scheduled for the day. The first was presided over by the parish priest, Msgr. Paul A. Cuison at 9:00 am and the last celebration was celebrated by the Archdiocese of Davao’s Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D. at 5:00pm after the blessing of plants and animals by Rev. Fr. Ranebe Magallanes, Parochial Vicar. (Alessandro Rikardo V. Millabe | SFAP Ma-a SoCCom)