San Jose: Sumbanan sa Pagpangalagad Duyog sa Panaw sa Pagdumala

St. Joseph The Worker Parish celebrated on May 1, 2026, its 62nd Feast Anniversary with a Theme: “Snr. San Jose: Sumbanan sa Pagpangalagad, Duyog sa Panaw sa Pagdumala” (“St. Joseph: Model of Service, Journeying together in Stewardship”).

Four (4) masses were celebrated on May 1, 2026, at 6:00 am presided by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias with Rev. Fr. Primo Fagel, MJ. The Pontifical Mass at 9:00 am was presided over by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, together with Bishop George Rimando, Auxiliary Bishop of Davao, Rev. Fr. Matt Bernard Quiao (Parish Vicar), Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias (Parish Priest), and Rev. Fr. Ranieboy Pamplona, together with other concelebrating priests. The 11:00 am mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias, while the 5:30 pm mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Evan Esmade.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles said, our faith is alive with the guidance and experience of Saint Joseph. His main reflection, he said to Fr. Roy, Fr. Matt, and the Priests, is to be grateful to the Lord, as shown by many pastoral actions and acts of worship. Embrace God in expressing our prayerfulness in worship. The life of the church is teaching, transmitting faith, preaching, and explaining faith. He cited the three characteristics of the Church: worshipping (Priestly), preaching (Prophetic), and Kingly Shepherding, such as constant care, social action, the benefit of helping, and the joy of worshiping the Lord. These three characteristics of the Church mark a living church/parish. Bishop Valles told Fr. Roy and Fr. Matt to convey to the Lord, using the words of Saint Paul, “We thank the Lord for you.” Every time we thank the Lord, we think of you.

Archbishop Valles mentioned that our Patron, St. Joseph the Worker, is the Patron Saint of all workers, laborers, but he gave more emphasis to those who are engaged in manual labor: “one day of work, one day of eat”. He also encouraged everyone to pray fervently through the intercession of St. Joseph, that God will make a way for these people/workers, just like St. Joseph, to be given attention and help. Bishop Valles specifically expressed his joy that St. Joseph has a sign, because there is a “Food Bank”, “Tabang Balay” for the poor. He also said, in the mystery of God with St. Joseph, may the Hard Workers be given attention and may they not lose hope.

According to Archbishop Valles, the distinct character of our worship in the Catholic Church, is that we worship; we are taught that if we are firm in our faith, the Lord is present in us, and the connection is that we are all baptized into the Body of Christ. He also said that in every group where people pray and sing, Christ is present. Every mass the priest represents in Persona Jesus. Whenever the scriptures are read, God speaks. The most important is Bread and Wine, when the Priests consecrate the Bread and Wine, they become the person of Christ.

Archbishop Valles said that we should give thanks in celebrating the Feast of our Patron Saint, Saint Joseph, because he is the source that keeps our worship, teaching, and charity alive.

After the mass at 9:00 a.m., a simultaneous blessing of the two (2) units of Tabang Pabalay was done by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias and Rev. Fr. Matt Quiao. Thereafter, these were handed over to the beneficiaries.

The blessing of the 2nd Floor, New Pastoral Building at 10:00 am on May 1, 2026, was officiated by Rev. Fr. Matt Quiao. Likewise, the blessing of St. Joseph’s Table at 12:00 nn was done by Fr. Roy Mejias, then followed by a fellowship lunch.

Before the fiesta, many events were held, such as the (a) “Panawduaw ni San Jose” in 44 GKKs that belong to the parish, which started on March 16 to April 21, 2026, (b) The Hot Meals on Wheels, which is regularly done three times a week, has been increased due to sponsors. (c) “Tabang Pabalay ni San Jose”, (d) Parish Free Medical Check-up scheduled every 2nd Sunday of the month, and Dental Service scheduled every 3rd Sunday of the month, and “Dangupanan Center” was also created purposely for counselling.

The celebration of the 62nd Parochial Fiesta started with the launching of Sports fest on March 14, 2026, with an opening game such as Basketball and Volleyball.

The 9-day Novena with two (2) masses at 6:00 am and 5:30 pm started on April 22 to April 30. A Walk of Devotion at 4:45 am from Suzuki to Parish was held on the 1st day of Novena, followed by Holy Mass at 6:00 am, and a fellowship breakfast after the mass.

After the 5:30 pm mass on April 30, 2026, the last day of the Novena, a procession of the image of St. Joseph was conducted, which was attended by parishioners.

Aspirant devotees of Batch 20 also experienced a 33-day Preparation for the Consecration to St. Joseph, which started on March 25 to May 1. The consecration of the 12 aspirant devotees was observed on May 1 during the 6:00 am mass presided by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias.

Fiesta Night was held after the 5:30 pm mass, on the 3rd Floor of the New Pastoral Building. There were Dance Contest presentations by Zone. Awarding of winners, both for the sports fest and dance contest, concluded the said activity.

One of Saint Joseph’s virtues, which is obedience to God, made him God’s first steward who protected the Son of God. May he be our model in deepening our faith and trust in God in our journey of hope.

Fr. Roy is grateful to Bishop Valles for accepting the invitation to celebrate the Fiesta Mass with Bishop Rimando. He also thanked the other priests who joined in the celebration of the 62nd Parochial Fiesta of St. Joseph The Worker. Likewise, he is grateful to the committees who fulfilled their functions, to the parishioners and other civic and religious organizations who provided support to make the celebration of the 62nd Parochial Fiesta a success. Further, Fr. Roy also thanked the Davao Catholic Herald/DXGN-FM for the coverage of the event.

VIVA SNR. SAN JOSE! VIVA!

(By Emy Gamorot)