Following Mary, Becoming Saints: 7th Archdiocesan Marian Exhibit and Gallery of Saints Conducted

DAVAO CITY — Like stars illuminating the night sky, Mary and the saints offer the faithful examples to follow on the journey toward holiness. Their stories of faith, sacrifice, and devotion came together at the 7th Archdiocesan Marian Exhibit and Gallery of Saints, held from October 25 to 31 at the Alfresco Area of Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City.

Carrying the theme “Following Mary, Becoming Saints,” the exhibit featured 70 sacred images and marked the first time the Archdiocesan Marian Exhibit and Gallery of Saints were combined into one event, bringing Marian devotion and the veneration of saints together in a week-long celebration.

The opening day began with a Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, with Rev. Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya, Director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications, concelebrating.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles reflected on the beauty of the Catholic Church, emphasizing Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and the inspiration offered by the saints.

“The beauty of the Catholic Church, in the Mass we have Jesus Himself, in the wonders of the Holy Mass, but with Him are the gallery of the saints, the multitude of saints, array of display of saints, murag stars sila and again we can choose anyone of them to inspire our lives to become saints like them,” Archbishop Valles said.

Comparing the saints to stars, the archbishop encouraged the faithful to find inspiration in their lives and recognize holiness as a calling that each Christian can pursue.

This message continued during Saints & Stories: Stories of Faith, held on October 25 and led by Rev. Fr. Marbendear L. Morallas, Episcopal Vicar for the Laity. The session invited participants to reflect not only on the lives of Mary and the saints but also on their own experiences of God’s presence.

“Today, in the midst of these images of saints we are reminded that Christians must tell the story of faith; not only of these saints but as well as our own stories of faith,” Fr. Morallas said.

His message emphasized that faith is not expressed solely through devotion to holy figures but also through personal testimonies that inspire others. The lives of the saints offer examples, while the stories of ordinary Christians continue to bear witness to God’s work in the world.

The timing of the exhibit further enriched its significance. Held throughout October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, it invited visitors to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose faith and obedience remain central to Christian discipleship.

The exhibit concluded on October 31, the eve of the Solemnity of All Saints, celebrated by the Church every November 1. This connection highlighted Mary’s title as Queen of All Saints and reinforced the exhibit’s message of following her example in drawing closer to Christ.

Throughout the week, visitors participated in scheduled Eucharistic celebrations, the Holy Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The program also featured Saints and Sweets: A Holy Celebration for Little Hearts on October 31, followed by the culminating Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Marbendear Morallas.

As the 70 sacred images came together for the first combined exhibit, they offered more than a glimpse into the Church’s rich tradition of Marian devotion and the saints. They presented a shared invitation: to look to Mary and the saints for inspiration and carry their example into daily life.

The exhibit’s conclusion on the eve of All Saints’ Day served as a fitting reminder that the path to holiness remains open to everyone, wherever faith is lived through prayer, love, and service.