A Joyful Journey of Faith and Service

In a solemn and spirit-filled Eucharistic Celebration held at St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish in Buhangin, Davao City, the local faith community welcomed a new shepherd to guide them in their spiritual journey. Rev. Fr. Orlando A. Angelia was officially installed as the 9th parish priest in a ceremony presided over by the Most Rev. Romulo Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao.

With the installation taking effect on June 1, 2025, and set to continue until May 31, 2031 (unless otherwise revoked), the moment marked not only a pastoral transition but a renewed commitment to faith, service, and hope for the parishioners. The rite of installation, steeped in sacred tradition, was highlighted by the reading of the appointment letter by the Chancellor, Msgr. Jaime Gamboa, and a powerful homily by Archbishop Valles that underscored the essence of priestly ministry.

Reflecting on the journey of Abraham, the Archbishop urged Fr. Angelia to emulate the Biblical patriarch’s openness, graciousness, and steadfast hope. “A priest must not only preach in good times,” he reminded, “but preach the impossible — to give joy, love, and hope, even amidst suffering.” He called upon the new parish priest to carry the cross with confidence and to bring the Holy Eucharist to all generations as a living remembrance of Christ’s love.

Rev. Fr. Angelia is no stranger to dedication and ecclesial responsibility. Born on May 2, 1973, in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, he was ordained the priesthood on February 14, 2002. He holds an AB Philosophy degree from San Francisco Xavier College Seminary (XACOSE) in Davao, a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from the Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (REMASE), and a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the University of Navarra in Spain — credentials that underscore both intellectual rigor and pastoral sensitivity.

Prior to his installation, Fr. Angelia served as the Rector of XACOSE since 2016, where he diligently oversaw the formation of future priests. Since 2009, he has also led the Archdiocese’s Family Life Apostolate (FLA), advocating for strong marriages, life, and family values. These assignments not only reflect his leadership but his deep commitment to nurturing lives both in the seminary and in the domestic church.

As part of the installation celebration, various sectors of the parish were recognized and presented — from the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Council to members of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), the Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK), and the parish staff. Their presence was a testament to the collaborative spirit and active participation that characterize this vibrant parish.

In his heartfelt message, Fr. Angelia expressed profound gratitude to Archbishop Valles for entrusting him with this new pastoral mission. With humility, he also thanked his family for their unwavering love, as well as friends who accompanied him in his spiritual journey. “With love and humility,” he shared, “I thank everyone for their untiring service to the parish. I pledge to do my utmost, to the best of my ability and capability, to be a compassionate and loving priest.”

His words resonated deeply with the parishioners who welcomed not just a new leader, but a true companion in faith. The air of joy and hopeful expectation was unmistakable, as the community embraced their new parish priest — a man rooted in wisdom, driven by service, and ready to walk with them toward a brighter spiritual horizon.

Indeed, the installation of Rev. Fr. Orlando A. Angelia is not just a ceremonial milestone, but the beginning of a new chapter marked by shared faith, dedication, and the promise of a shepherd who walks humbly with his flock — ever hopeful, ever faithful. (Clinita Nartea and Allyza Hope Tabigue, SoCCom SMPRP)