31st Parochial Fiesta: Special Celebration for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish – Ma-a celebrated its 31st Parochial Fiesta Anniversary together with its patron saint’s 800th anniversary of transitus, as proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV for his jubilee year.

St. Francis’ pilgrimage to 28 GKKs started on August 4, 2026, and ended on September 23, 2026, which is called panaw-duaw.

The nine-day novena masses had themes focused on St. Francis’ virtues and his life journey to become a saint.

On the first day of the novena mass, the new retablo at the back of the altar was unveiled, featuring new images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John, and the Garden of Gethsemane.

There were two sports events: “Pikol sa Pista ni Kiko”, a pickleball open play with different age categories held last September 26, 2026, at Crisron Pickleball Courts; and an exhibition basketball game on October 4, 2026, between diocesan priests and Pangulo sa Lituhiya. The priests won 79-78.

The yearly Socio-Cultural Night was held last October 2, 2026, with the theme “The World Dance: Dancing to the Rhythm of Franciscan Joy” at the Ma-a Central Elementary School Gym.

There were 45 children aged 0-11 baptized on October 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM, with the parish priest, Fr. Russel Bantiles, presiding over the mass.

During Fiesta Visperas on October 4, 2026, at 1:45 PM, the St. Francis of Assisi Grand Motorcade (Recoreda) was held with all 13 zones. After which was the Grand Procession of 45 GKK saints to the parish, featuring three convergence points. Outside the church, a blessing of the images of the saints took place, followed by solemn vespers to St. Francis.

On October 4, 2026, at 6:00 AM, the Pontifical Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., alongside four diocesan priests headed by parish priest Fr. Russel A. Bantiles.

In Archbishop Valles’ homily, he noted that St. Francis left his carefree and rich life to follow Christ. He emphasized the mystery of the moon: the moon does not produce its own light, but reflects the light of the sun. St. Francis radiated holiness because he was connected to Christ, whose grace transformed him. He encouraged the faithful to be like the moon, reflecting God’s light through a prayerful life and acts of mercy.

Regular Sunday masses started at 7:30 AM with different mass presiders until 6:00 PM.

Before the 4:30 PM holy mass, there was a blessing of animals by Fr. Soren H. Abellanosa.

This fiesta’s theme, “From Assisi to Ma-a: 800 Years of Walking with St. Francis Following Jesus,” marks the Special Year of St. Francis honoring 800 years since his entry into Heaven. (Pamela Caroline V. Millabe | SFAP Ma-a SocCom)