San Jose Kauban sa Panaw sa Paglaum

St. Joseph the Worker Parish celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary (Secondary Patron Saint) on March 19, 2025, with the theme: “St. Joseph, Companion of Pilgrims of Hope.” The celebration included two (2) Masses at 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Regular Mass).

The 6:00 a.m. Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Leonardo “Bong” Dublan, Jr. In his homily, Father Bong announced that the celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, as the Second Patron Saint of the Parish, is now in its sixth year.

Fr. Bong explained that initially, the celebration of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, did not receive much attention. However, after the Year of St. Joseph was observed, it was realized that the Parish should give it great and adequate attention as a solemn celebration. He emphasized that this feast is a valuable part of the life of the Church and the devotion to St. Joseph. This is the oldest devotion to Saint Joseph and is a significant recognition of his role in Christian history as the husband of Mary. Saint Joseph fulfilled God’s will and plan by protecting Jesus and Mary.

He also mentioned that the Archbishop had granted permission for the Parish to recognize Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary, as its Second Patron Saint. This decision brought great hope to the parish’s ideals—to inspire devotion and faith in Saint Joseph. The creation of the Archdiocesan Confraternity of St. Joseph further encouraged and strengthened the parishioners’ faith, fostering hope through the intercession of their patron.

The events held during the fiesta coincided with the Jubilee Year Celebration, also known as the Jubilee of Hope.

The Parish Zonal Jubilee Cross Visitation was launched on March 8, 2025. The Jubilee Cross Visitation commenced on March 9 and was held simultaneously in all GKKs from Zone 1 to Zone 8, running from March 9 to March 15.

On March 16, the Jubilee Pilgrim Walk started at 5:00 a.m., beginning from Zone 1 through Zone 8. Participants, including GKK members from three (3) areas, walked together to St. Joseph Parish for the first day of the Triduum Novena at the 6:00 a.m. Mass. The Triduum Novena continued on March 17 and 18 before the 6:00 a.m. Mass, followed by fellowship snacks sponsored by different zones and ministries.

The Parish regularly conducts a Work of Mercy through the Hot Meals on Wheels program at SPMC three (3) times a week. This initiative instills in parishioners the virtues of St. Joseph and encourages them to remain hopeful and trusting in God amidst the country’s political and economic challenges.

A procession was held on March 19 at 4:30 a.m., followed by the 6:00 a.m. Mass.

The Consecration to St. Joseph included 110 aspirant devotees from Batch 17, who underwent a 33-day preparation from February 16 to March 19. The consecration was held on March 19 during the 6:00 a.m. Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan, Jr. This 33-day spiritual journey allowed devotees to deepen their understanding of the virtues of St. Joseph, particularly as the Husband of Mary.

In the evening, after the 5:30 p.m. Mass, a Parish Leaders’ Night was held, with participation from GKKs by Zone, PARECO, the Parish Office Staff, Servants of the Liturgy, and the Confraternity of St. Joseph. The event featured dance presentations by the different groups.

The celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary, reminds us of St. Joseph as the Companion of Pilgrims of Hope. (Emerence Gamorot)