San Jose Patron sa Mamumuo Kauban sa Panaw sa Paglaum

WALKING THE ROAD OF HOPE WITH JOSEPH

St. Joseph Parish (Patron Saint of Workers), Sasa, Davao City — St. Joseph Parish celebrated on May 1, 2025, its 61st Feast Anniversary with a Theme: San Jose Kauban sa Panaw sa paglaum.

Three (3) masses were celebrated on May 1, 2025, at 6:00 am presided by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan Jr. The Pontifical Mass at 9:30 am was presided by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, together with Msgr. Edgar Labagala, Rev. Fr. Randon, PN Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Dexter Veloso, Rev. Fr. Primo Fagel, MJ, Rev. Fr. Ranie Boy Pamplona, Rev. Fr. Evan Esmade (Parish Vicar), and Rev. Fr. Bong Dublan (Parish Priest), while the 5:30 pm mass was presided by Bishop George Rimando Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles shared his conversation with Fr. Bong about what a beautiful expression of parish life is. It is something reflective, which mirrors the Parish of San Jose. First, Bishop Valles was touched and honored that St. Joseph Parish built a house (Tabang Pabalay) every feast day for the homeless. On its 61st Feast, two additional houses were built. Now, there are already 11 houses that have been turned over to the beneficiaries. The second is the SPMC’s “Hot Meals on Wheels”, a provision of porridge to the families of the sick, which comes from the donations of parishioners. And the third reminds us of the only place, DOST, which is reflective of the Patron Saint, St Joseph the Worker – Laborer. It has a special school called Vocational school for tools, electricians, etc. These are three of the many signs that great programs are being implemented. Finally, Bishop Valles reveals in his small and sincere expression, what spirit of a Katilingban that inspired by the life of St. Joseph the Worker.

Bishop Valles said that the fiesta of May 1 was formally introduced to the church in 1955 as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Its not only in 1955 that St.Joseph had been known but it started in the middle ages not only as Husband of Mary but also as an inspiration to the workers/laborers.

He also mentioned that the year has come when producers, workers, and laborers no longer see the beauty of work, the value of the work of their hands, their energy, which is eventually dominated by profit and capitalism. In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical letter “Rerum Novarum” about human action, human nature, that human labor should not be abused, and that labor as a worker is sacred. Human labor may seem like ordinary work, yet it is an extension of God’s action.

In 1955, Saint Joseph became the patron saint of workers. As a worker or laborer, it is truly inspiring and they become dignified because such is an expression of God’s power to create a mover. And so the model of the worker, Saint Joseph, was given a Feast Day on May 1, which is the Labor Day.

Further, Bishop Valles said that a Carpenter was a very good synodal person in the history of salvation.

At 7:30 am, a street dance parade was held, participated in by GKKs from Zone 1 to Zone 8.

After the mass at 9:30 a.m., a simultaneous blessing of two (2) units of Tabang Pabalay was done by Fr. Bong Dublan and Fr. Evan Esmade. Thereafter, these were handed over to the beneficiaries.

The blessing of the “Lamesa ni San Jose” at 12:00 nn was done by Rev. Fr. Bong Dublan, then followed by a fellowship lunch.

Before the fiesta, many events were held such as the (a) “Panawduaw ni San Jose” in every Zone that belongs to the parish as well as Panaw duaw of St. Joseph Parishioners to Pilgrim Churches in St. James Parish, Sta. Ana Church, St. Jude Parish and in San Pedro Cathedral, (b) Hot Meals on Wheels” that provide porridge for those who take care of their patient at SPMC, (c) Tabang Pabalay ni San Jose, (d) Parish Free Medical Check-up scheduled every 2nd Sunday of the month and Dental Service scheduled every 3rd Sunday of the month.

In line with the celebration of the Jubilee of Pilgrims and as part of the fiesta activities, the parish also conducted a dialogue in a synodal way, such as: Jubilee for Laborers, Jubilee for Ecumenism and Inter-Faith Encounter, and Jubilee for Business and Professionals.

The 9-day Novena with two (2) masses at 6:00 am and 5:30 pm started on April 22 to April 30. A procession at 5:15 am was sponsored by Zone before the start of the Novena and followed by Holy Mass at 6:00 am.

Aspirant devotees of Batch 18 also experienced a 33-day Preparation for the Consecration to St. Joseph which started last March 26 to April 30. The consecration of the 16 aspirant devotees was observed on May 1 during the 6:00 am mass presided by Rev. Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan Jr.

The mystery of faith in devotion to Saint Joseph will lead us to deepen our faith, love, and trust in God, so that no matter what, Saint Joseph will always be with us in our journey of hope. (Emy Gamorot)