800 Years of Francis’ Transitus: St. Francis of Assisi Parish-La Verna Celebrates 11th Parochial Fiesta

DAVAO CITY — The St. Francis of Assisi Parish in La Verna Hills celebrated its 11th Parochial Fiesta on September 17, 2026, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, with a series of liturgical and community activities centered on prayer, thanksgiving, and fellowship, including the Panaw-Duaw of the relics of St. Francis to its different GKKs.

The celebration followed the parish’s novena preparations, culminating in the fiesta day with a 6:00 a.m. Fiesta Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga, parish priest, with the La Verna Homeowners Association Phases 1, 2, and 3 serving as sponsors. A blessing of animals and plants was also held immediately after the Mass, reflecting the parish’s devotion to St. Francis, who is widely remembered for his love and care for God’s creation.

The main celebration was the 10:00 a.m. Pontifical Mass, presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, together with the concelebrating priests and the parish community. The Mass also included the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The fiesta celebration continued with a fellowship lunch at 12:00 noon, followed by a parish program at 1:30 p.m. Additional Fiesta Masses were celebrated at 3:00 p.m. by Msgr. Julius Rodulfa and at 5:00 p.m. by Msgr. Paul Cuison, providing the faithful with further opportunities to gather in prayer and thanksgiving.

The parish celebrated the fiesta under the theme, “800 Years of Francis’ Transitus: Renewed in Hope. United in Mission,” highlighting the 800th anniversary of the Transitus, or passing, of St. Francis of Assisi. The theme invites the parish community to draw from the saint’s life a renewed commitment to hope, unity, and mission.

The celebration also recalls the Stigmatization of St. Francis of Assisi, commemorating his profound union with Christ and his reception of the wounds of the Passion. His life continues to inspire the faithful to embrace the Gospel through simplicity, humility, service, peace, and care for creation.

As the St. Francis of Assisi Parish-La Verna community celebrates its 11th parochial fiesta, may the witness of its patron continue to guide the faithful toward a deeper love of Christ and a stronger commitment to serving others, renewed in hope and united in mission.