Message on Behalf of the Laity On the Occasion of the 50th Sacerdotal Anniversary of The Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D.

Your Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines;

Your Eminence, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo; Your Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; Your Excellencies, beloved Archbishops and Bishops; Reverend Monsignori, dear Reverend Fathers and Deacons; Religious men and women; distinguished guests; And our dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

Good evening.

On behalf of the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao, it is my distinct honor to welcome you to this joyful celebration of the 50th sacerdotal anniversary of our beloved shepherd, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D.

Fifty years in the priesthood is a testimony of fidelity — a life poured out in steady and generous service to the People of God. In Archbishop Valles, we have known not only a pastor, but a father who walks with his people, listens attentively, and leads with quiet strength.

In times marked by polarization and division, your pastoral leadership has called us not to withdraw, nor to react in fear, but to walk together. This is the heart of synodality.

Under your guidance, synodality has become for us not just a concept, but a lived reality. You have formed us – as clergy, religious, and laity — to listen deeply, to discern together, and to share responsibility for the mission of the Church.

As lay people, we are especially grateful. You have trusted us, strengthened our Basic Ecclesial Communities, and affirmed our role as co-responsible partners — not only within the Church, but in society. Because of your leadership, we have come to understand more clearly that our vocation is lived in our families, our workplaces, and even in the complex realities of civic and political life.

You have helped form us to be not only faithful Catholics, but discerning citizens — guided by the Gospel, attentive to the common good, and committed to justice and peace.

Your shepherd’s heart is seen not in grand gestures, but in your constancy: your presence among us, your listening ear, your calm and steady voice, and your deep trust in God’s grace at work in His people.

For this, and for so much more, we thank you.

Thank you for your “yes” fifty years ago—a “yes” that continues to bear fruit in our lives today. Thank you for walking with us, and for showing us what it means to be a Church that listens, discerns, and journeys together.

As you celebrate this golden jubilee, please know that we, your people, walk with you in gratitude and in prayer. May the Lord continue to strengthen you, renew your zeal, and fill you with the joy of a life faithfully given.

May Christ the Good Shepherd, whom you have so faithfully imitated, continue to guide you — and through you, guide all of us.

Happy 50th Sacerdotal Anniversary, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles.

Daghang salamat, ug kami nagahigugma kanimo. (Mr. Eduardo Pacana)