With Mary, Journeying and Living the Gospel with the Hope of Christ

As the feast day of Our Lady of the Assumption draws near, the faithful of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish along F. Torres Street, Davao City find themselves in joyful anticipation. On August 15, 2025, the parish will commemorate its 66th Foundation Anniversary and Parochial Fiesta under the general theme: “With Mary, Journeying and Living the Gospel with Much Hope.” This celebration is not only a look back at decades of faith and service but a profound movement forward, grounded in Marian devotion and alive in the hope of the Gospel.

Ten days before the feast, the community is already deep into its spiritual preparation. The Annual Marian Pilgrimage commenced on July 13, with the image of Our Lady of the Assumption sent forth to visit the various Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs), spreading Mary’s presence among families, chapels, and small faith communities. Her return is awaited with great excitement and reverence, scheduled for the eve of her feast on August 14 during a solemn welcome and procession.

The fiesta preparation continues with the Novena Masses, which began on August 6 and are being held daily with thematic reflections on Mary’s virtues. Each evening, different GKK zones, parish ministries, and choirs animate the liturgies, bringing the diversity and unity of the parish to the altar. With themes centered on hope, sacrifice, humility, and mercy, the novena serves as a sacred journey that mirrors the life of Mary and draws the faithful closer to Christ.

Already, special activities have brought parishioners together in prayer and service. The general cleaning day held on July 26 demonstrated a shared love for the Church through action, while the Feast of St. Peter Julian Eymard on August 2 renewed Eucharistic devotion among the community through Adoration and reflection. On August 9, the Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated, a powerful sign of the Church’s ongoing mission to form and send forth young disciples. That evening, the Parish Cultural Night honored Davao’s heritage and identity through music, dance, and storytelling intertwining faith and culture.

Now, as the final days approach, the entire parish is abuzz with both preparation and prayer. On August 14, the Vigil Mass will feature the return of the Marian image and a candlelit procession through the streets, uniting the community in devotion and solemnity. Then, on August 15, four Fiesta Masses will mark the culmination of weeks of preparation. The day will end with the Pontifical Mass to be presided over by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, DD, joined by all sectors of the parish in a celebration of grace, mission, and thanksgiving.

In true Christian spirit, the parish has also invited the faithful to offer practical offerings such as rice, canned goods, vitamins, and cleaning supplies—for the “Halad Gasa Ni Maria” program. This charitable initiative ensures that the blessings of the feast overflow into the lives of the poor and marginalized in the community.

As the 66th Parochial Fiesta approaches, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish remains steadfast in its mission—journeying with Mary, rooted in the Gospel, and radiant in hope. With each prayer offered, candle lit, and hymn sung, the faithful proclaim not just a feast, but a future filled with faith and love.

Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!