Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick

February 11, 2025 marks the 22nd parochial fiesta of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (OLLP), Bangkal, which was also proclaimed by the Catholic Church as World Day of the Sick in 1992 by Pope John Paul II.

Liturgical Activities

In his homily, the Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, Archbishop of Davao, who officiated the 9:30 A.M. fiesta mass, explained why the Pope declared the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes as World Day of the Sick.

“Sa Lourdes atong Makita ang presence sa Ginoo tungod sa mga miracles of healing. The Lord is there. Blessed Mother brings us closer to the Lord because of the phenomena, mga panghitabo nga miraculous healing sa Lourdes.” Archbishop Valles said that such declaration reminds us not to worry of our sickness or disease because we have FAITH, and God is there to COMFORT us. He also encouraged us to listen to the words of Mary in the wedding banquet when she said, “Do whatever He tells us”.

The church and its space outside was filled with people. Older people and people in wheelchairs and in canes were seen. Right after the mass, Archbishop Valles said the prayer for healing and the priests performed the anointing of the sick.

Aside from the Pontifical Mass, Rev. Fr. Voltaire P. Dimol, former parish priest of OLLP also officiated the 6:00 A.M. mass, while Fr. Leonie H. España presided over the 5:00 P.M. mass. After the 6:00 A.M. mass, the procession/caravan of the image of Our Lady of Lourdes was attended by the twenty-five (25) GKKs of the Parish.

Novena masses were daily sponsored by district, ministries and apostolates from February 2 to February 10, 2025 at 5:30 A.M.

Other Fiesta Activities

As early as the fourth week of January 2025, native huts (bahay-kubo) were built inside the premises of OLLP for this year’s theme, “Fiesta sa Nayon”, which was a competition. Their were kubo finished days before the fiesta. Fifteen (15) native huts were seen beautifully and creatively constructed, either by Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK), or by district, composed of 3 or 4 GKKs. These native huts served as the place of fellowship by GKK or by district.

Folk dances were also prepared by district for presentation during the program after the lunch fellowship. Fr. Alcris G. Panganiban, Parish Vicar announced the opening of the presentation and welcomed everyone to the fiesta celebration.

According to Alice Lancian, PSK Coordinator and one of the members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), the preparation for the fiesta started last December 2024 during their PPC meeting. It was the desire of our Parish Priest, Fr. Henry G. Campeon, that this year’s celebration would be festive and memorable before his term as OLLP Parish Priest ends this June 2025.

At the end of the program, the winner for the best bahay-kubo was announced. The Sacred Heart of Jesus GKK from District 3 was declared as the best bahay-kubo. To the surprise of everyone, Fr. Henry decided to announce that District 2, composed of Sta. Cruz GKK, ICC-Taal GKK and Sto. Niño Bulusan GKK won as the best folk dance presentation because of the best efforts made by the participating groups. All received cash prizes. All other participating groups, fourteen (14) other entries for the bahay-kubo competition and Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the folk dance presentation, also received cash as consolation prizes. Everybody won!

Another highlight of the fiesta celebration was the basketball game of OLLP-PSL versus the Davao Clergy. The basketball game was done at the OLLP Gym at 7:00 P.M. The OLLP-PSL won over the Davao Clergy with the score 67-51. After the game, the players as well the spectators were invited for a dinner at the rectory, while listening to the music of the OLLP PSL Band.

Let us always remember that this celebration not only conveys festive memories but also brings us closer to God with the Blessed Virgin Mary as our intercessor. Let us also remember all our brothers and sisters suffering from sickness and disease every time we celebrate our parochial fiesta by assuring them that God is there to comfort us.

Happy 22nd Parochial Fiesta! Viva Maria! Viva Hesus!

(By Rowena Baldoza-Villaflor | OLLP SoCCom)