Faith and Stewardship

With hearts full of gratitude and faith, the Empress Community in Davao City joyfully celebrated the 24th Fiesta of GKK St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, on March 18, 2025. This year’s theme, “San Jose, Bana ni Santa Maria nga Birhen, Ubani Kami sa Panaw nga Malaumon Diha sa Among Pagkamadasigon nga mga Maayong Piniyalan sa Dios”, reflected the deep devotion and commitment of the community to following the path of faith, humility, and service.

The celebration was anchored in a solemn Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Pedro Lamata, who delivered a deep message about obedience, faithfulness, and stewardship — virtues embodied by St. Joseph. The first reading, taken from the Book of Samuel, recalled God’s promise to David through the prophet Nathan that one of his descendants would establish a kingdom that would last forever. Fr. Lamata highlighted how this foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, the eternal King, who would rise from the lineage of David through Joseph, the son of Jacob.

Joseph’s quiet strength and obedience to God’s will were central to the message. Fr. Lamata reflected on Joseph’s acceptance of Mary’s miraculous pregnancy after being visited by an angel in a dream. Despite his initial fear and confusion, Joseph chose to trust and obey God — an evidence to his faith and humility. “Si Jose, mga igsoon, tao nga matarung ug masinugtanon sa kabubut-on sa Ginoo,” Fr. Lamata said. (Joseph, brothers and sisters, was a righteous man who was obedient to God’s will.)

Fr. Lamata urged the faithful to embody Joseph’s spirit of obedience and stewardship in their daily lives. He reminded them that, like Joseph, they are entrusted with God’s blessings and graces — not to keep for themselves, but to share with others, especially those in need. “Kita mga igsuon sama ni San Jose, tinuod nga piniyalan sa Dios. Kinahanglan nga ang mga gasa, ang mga grasya ug ang mga maayong butang nga gihatag sa Dios kanato, dili nato himuong ato, kondili atua kining ipa-abot sa uban, labi na sa mga kabos,” he said. (We, brothers and sisters, like St. Joseph, are true stewards of God. The gifts, graces, and blessings given to us by God are not meant for us alone but should be shared with others, especially those in need.)

The celebration also carried a timely message about leadership and responsibility. With the upcoming election, Fr. Lamata encouraged the faithful to choose leaders who reflect the virtues of St. Joseph — integrity, obedience to God’s will, and a heart for service. He urged the community to reflect on the backgrounds and track records of candidates, asking whether they seek power for themselves or are genuinely committed to serving the people.

The Pope’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Hope — Pilgrims of Hope — was also a central theme. Fr. Lamata reminded the community that just as Joseph became a steward of hope and protection for Mary and Jesus, they too are called to be bearers of hope in their families and communities.

The fiesta was celebrated with simplicity and humility, mirroring the quiet strength of St. Joseph. Despite the modest nature of the event, the sense of unity and faith was palpable. The community now looks forward with anticipation to the 25th silver anniversary of the GKK next year — a milestone that promises to be a proof to the enduring faith and stewardship of the Empress Community. (Rhenalyn Hernando – HCDC INTERN)