Virgen Dolorosa Parish Marks 65th Fiesta with Faith, Sacraments and Community Celebration

The 65th Fiesta Celebration of Virgen Dolorosa Parish of Babak, Island Garden City of Samal features the theme: “Virgen Dolorosa, Inahan ug Sumbanan sa Nagapanaw nga Malaumong Simbahan.” It was a beautiful celebration of faith, devotion, and community as parishioners gathered for a series of liturgical and fellowship activities centered on the enduring example of Mary, the Mother of Sorrows.

A major highlight of the celebration was the Pontifical Mass presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, together with Rev. Fr. Proceso “Jun” Gimeno Jr., Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Paulino Huambo Bumba, Parochial Vicar, and the concelebrating clergy who joined the parish community in giving thanks to God and offering their prayers, joys, struggles, and aspirations through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

The Mass provided the faithful with an opportunity to reflect on the life of the Virgen Dolorosa, whose steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross remains a powerful witness of faith amid suffering. Despite the pain of witnessing her Son’s Passion, Mary remained faithful, standing with Christ in love and hope.

Her example served as a reminder to the parish community that Christian faith is not lived only in moments of comfort and celebration. It is also tested and strengthened in times of uncertainty, pain, and difficulty. Like Mary, the faithful are called to remain with Christ even when they do not fully understand the trials they encounter.

The celebration also held particular significance for the young faithful who received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Pontifical Mass. Archbishop Valles conferred the sacrament, marking an important moment in the spiritual journey of the newly confirmed as they were strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Through Confirmation, the young members of the parish were reminded of their responsibility to live their faith with courage and commitment. The sacrament calls them not only to deepen their personal relationship with Christ but also to participate actively in the mission of the Church and become witnesses of the Gospel in their families, schools, parish, and communities.

Their Confirmation also served as a reminder that the journey of faith does not end with the reception of the sacraments. Rather, it continues through prayer, service, participation in the Church, and the daily decision to live according to Christ’s teachings. The parish community, in turn, shares the responsibility of accompanying its young faithful as they grow in their relationship with God.

Complementing the liturgical celebrations were various activities that brought parishioners together in fellowship. The fiesta featured an energetic Zumba Dance as well as Basketball and Pickleball competitions, providing opportunities for recreation, teamwork, and community interaction.

The activities demonstrated the parish’s spirit of togetherness as parishioners shared laughter, friendship, and camaraderie beyond the walls of the church. While the games and physical activities provided moments of enjoyment, they also strengthened relationships among members of the community and encouraged a deeper sense of belonging.

The celebration thus reflected the different dimensions of parish life; faith expressed through worship, discipleship strengthened through the sacraments, and community built through fellowship. Each activity became an opportunity for parishioners to celebrate not simply a feast, but their identity as one community united by faith in Christ and devotion to the Virgen Dolorosa.

The celebration of Virgen Dolorosa Parish ultimately pointed the faithful back to Christ, whose presence continues to sustain the Church through every season. Strengthened by the Eucharist, renewed through the Holy Spirit, and inspired by Mary’s faithful witness, the parish community is called to continue its journey together in faith and service.

With gratitude for the 65 years of grace and shared life as a parish community, the faithful are encouraged to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ and to one another, carrying with them the enduring prayer of devotion. Virgen Dolorosa, i-ampo mo kami. (Bernadette Esperance | Photos by VDP SoCCom & DCH)