Ina Poonbato : Mother of Peace and Good Voyage in her Feast

The St. Francis Xavier Pre-College Seminary celebrated their annual Fiesta in honor of Ina Poonbato: Mother of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as “Our Lady Of Mount Pinatubo.”

Ina Poonbato is their second Patron aside from St.Francis Xavier.

The celebration was formally started by Lauds in the morning followed by Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Elvie R. Bordios, Pre-College Coordinator and was concelebrated by Msgr. Edgar Labagala, Formator in the said seminary.

In his homily, Fr. Elvie challenged the seminarians to be like Mary, always ready to protect her children. Upon seeing the history of Ina Poonbato, seminarians must be always ready for a mission like the friars who believed that Mary was already there ahead of us. She will be protecting us wherever we go. “We must care for the poor, the orphaned and the hopeless in our society,” he said. Seminarians were also inspired upon discerning the role of Mary especially her motherly love and care.

Joining the celebrations were the Pilgrims of Ina Poonbato Davao Chapter, honoured guests and benefactors who were happy to share their time and blessings through the intercession of Mary our Patron Ina Poonbato. They also gave memorabilia — Rosary to be the armor of the Seminarians in their daily lives.

The Second part of the Program was done in Mergrande Ocean Beach Resort as well as lunch. Seminarians were together happy and blessed to receive the Motherly affection of Mary to our lives. Viva Maria! Viva Hesus! (Sem. Danny Boy Lazaga & Sem. Editho Tomales)