2nd Tigum ni San Jose

(St. Joseph, a man of Faith, a man of Hope)

St. Joseph Parish (Patron of Workers), Sasa, Davao City — The Confraternity of St. Joseph of the Archdiocese of Davao held its 2nd Tigum ni San Jose on April 26, 2025. The registration of the participants (Devotees of St. Joseph) started at 8:00 am and was followed by a procession into the main church.

The “Tigum” was facilitated by Mr. Ken C. Cabiladas and acknowledged the presence of the participants from different GKKs under the St. Joseph Parish from Zones 1 to 8, as well as visitors from other GKKs outside the parish, to wit: San Jose Esposo ni Maria, Elenita Heights, St. Joseph the Worker, Balusong, Matina, and St. Joseph, Panacan.

Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan, Jr., welcomed the participants at St. Joseph Parish, Sasa. He expressed hope that the “Tigum ni San Jose” will continue annually, and that the celebration of the St. Joseph meeting will be a vibrant celebration which will help continue the devotion in the pursuit of following the virtues of St. Joseph to be good stewards and become true disciples of Christ.

Rev. Fr. Evan Esmade, Parish Vicar, introduced the Guest Speaker, Rev. Fr. Reggie D. Piad, OSJ—Men of St. Joseph, in charge for the Philippines, who talked about everything related to St. Joseph.

Fr. Reggie Piad started his talk with an opening prayer. In his lecture, he cited the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis’ Patris Corde – With A Father’s Heart, an experience of what it is to be a father, and having compassion for his children as a father, thereby describing how St. Joseph loved Jesus.

Fr. Reggie said that participants (Devotees of St. Joseph) should learn to appreciate who St. Joseph is in the history of our salvation. He explained “Joseph” in the Sacred Scripture – both in the Old and New testaments. He further clarified the notion that St. Joseph is not mentioned in the Bible, hence, he cited Readings taken from Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, as quoted:

“IS THIS NOT THE CARPENTER’S SON, WHOSE MOTHER IS CALLED MARY?” (Matthew 13:55)

“IS NOT THIS THE CARPENTER, THE SON OF MARY?” (Mark 6:3)

After the input, devotees from GKKs San Jose Esposo ni Maria, Elenita Heights, St. Joseph the Worker, Balusong, Matina, and St. Joseph, Panacan, shared their experiences as Devotees of St. Joseph.

The Holy Mass at 10:30 am was presided by Bishop George Rimando, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao, with Rev. Fr. Melvin Maglana, Rev. Fr. Johnny Audita, Rev. Fr. Evan Esmade, and Rev. Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan, Jr.

Bishop Rimando mentioned in his homily that St. Joseph is a man of faith, a man of hope, and his intimacy with God is a righteous inheritance. According to Bishop Rimando, as baptized missionaries, we are the missionary disciples of Jesus to spread the good news of mercy and forgiveness.

After the mass, there was a fellowship lunch. During the luncheon, a video presentation on the history of how the St. Joseph Devotion began at St. Joseph Parish was shown.

Ms. Sol Tiu facilitated the Triad sharing by giving the guide question which the group will answer and share: “Naamguhan ba nako nga kauban nako si San Jose sa Panaw sa Paglaum?”.

Most of those who shared their experiences cited the virtues of Saint Joseph, such as patience and humility, which allowed them to emulate him. Others shared about the virtue of the Protector of the family, and as a provider, the needs of their family were met. All shared that through prayer, trust, and hope in God, the difficulties of life can be overcome.

Fr. Bong said that heartfelt prayers will definitely be answered, but it should be remembered that St. Joseph is a servant of God and will not give contrary to the Will of God. When reflecting on the association with St. Joseph, his great gift to us is that he always explains what the will of God allows us.

Further he said, Saint Joseph helps us so that our prayers will be fulfilled in our lives. In following the Will of God, people should remember that the grace given to us is not only for us but also for others. Therefore, Saint Joseph is a good steward because the grace given to him by God was shared and forwarded to Jesus, Mary, and to others.

Lastly, Mr. Romy Lestojas, Coordinator of the Confraternity of St. Joseph, presented a video on how the Confraternity of St. Joseph started. He encouraged everyone to serve while still young, just like St. Joseph, who was still young when he accepted the challenge of God through the message of the Angel.

Mr. Lestojas said that in Fr. Reggie’s lecture he mentioned that Saint Joseph was the first steward of God because he was entrusted with the salvation of mankind and the only begotten Son of God, who made him the foster father of the Son of God. He asked Fr. Reggie for advice, since St. Joseph Parish in Davao wishes to become a Shrine.

Fr. Reggie said that if you know the virtues of Saint Joseph, then live within his virtues, and that will surely lead you to be ready to become a Shrine.

The Tigum ni San Jose ended with a community singing.

VIVA SAN JOSE!!! VIVA SAN JOSE!!! VIVA SAN JOSE!!!

(By Emerence Gamorot)