A ‘Saintsational’ Week: Gallery of Saints Yr. 6

The Gallery of Saints Year 6 concluded with grace and joy after an eight-day celebration held from November 9 to 16 at the Atrium of NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. With the theme “Mga Santos: Paglaum sa mga Piniyalang Nagapanaw,” the annual exhibit once again drew hundreds of faithful who came to pray, reflect, and be inspired by the lives of fifty saints whose images were beautifully displayed throughout the duration of the event. The gathering served not only as a spiritual encounter but also as a reminder that in every pilgrim’s journey, the saints continue to shine as guiding lights of hope.

The week-long celebration opened on November 9 with a 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, who emphasized the relevance of the saints in the mission of the Church today. By 4:30 p.m., Sister Ma. Lydia Perales, TDM, delivered an insightful talk that further unpacked the event’s theme, affirming how the lives of the saints remain timeless sources of strength for those facing the complexities of modern life. The day ended with a 6:00 p.m. Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Ranebe Magallanes, Archdiocese of Davao’s Assistant Vocation Director together with the Davao Vocation Promoters, linking the Gallery of Saints to the broader celebration of the Archdiocesan Vocation Month.

Throughout the week, the faithful participated in daily masses hosted by the different vicariates of the Archdiocese, as well as devotional prayers including the Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The exhibit itself invited quiet reflection amid the busy mall environment, as the fifty displayed images and stories of saints offered moments of prayer, gratitude, and renewed faith to the faithful of Archdiocese of Davao.

One of the highlights of the celebration took place on November 15 through the Divine Cosplay Competition, which brought color and creativity to the event. In the Kids Category, Azziah Kaye Muaña emerged as the winner for her portrayal of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, followed by Ella Joy Lastrella as St. Clare of Assisi in second place, and Khen Harry C. Calinga as St. Martin de Porres in third. In the Youth Category, Leand King A. Galang received top recognition for his portrayal of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The contest reminded everyone that even in youthful imagination, the saints continue to inspire courage, compassion, and holiness.

The concluding day on November 16 opened with a 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Davao, who challenged the faithful to carry the message of hope into their families and communities. By 4:30 p.m., Mrs. Eddelyn Gupeteo, PhD, EdD., delivered a heartfelt talk and sharing that echoed the event’s theme and invited deeper personal reflection. Certificates of appreciation were then awarded to exhibitors and sponsors whose support made the event possible.

During the Culminating Mass at 6:00 p.m., presided over by Fr. Henry Campeon, Parochial Vicar of Sta. Ana Shrine Parish, Mrs. Annie Libres, Program Head, also formally introduced the DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM 10th Re-Opening Anniversary Logo Making Contest 2026, themed “Diwa sa Dekada.” The announcement added excitement and anticipation as the community looks forward to yet another milestone for the Archdiocese’s media arm and social communication ministry.

As the final blessing was given, Gallery of Saints Year 6 closed with a renewed sense of mission and gratitude. For eight days, the faithful walked among images of fifty remarkable saints—men and women whose lives continue to breathe hope into a world longing for light. Though the event has ended, the inspiration it stirred remains, echoing the message that we, too, are pilgrims called to live with faith, courage, and unwavering hope.