Installation of New Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish

A major event took place at St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Sasa, Davao City. August 24, 2025, a Holy Mass at 5:30 pm was presided by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles for the Installation of Rev. Fr. Roy F. Mejias as the new Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish and the presentation of the new Parish Vicar, Rev. Fr. Matt Bernard Quiao.

The Archdiocesan Chancellor, Msgr. Jaime Gamboa read the letter of Appointment officially designating Fr. Roy Mejias as the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish effective June 1, 2025.

Archbishop Romulo Valles gave his homily and explained the content of the opening prayer to God, who causes the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, that is, to love God’s command and to desire what He promises, and that amidst of uncertainties in this world, may our hearts be fixed and find true gladness. Moreover, he also stated that in the First Reading in the Book of Isaiah, the Lord is longing for us to find Him and desires that we love true gladness.

Archbishop Valles quoted the Gospel: “Brothers and sisters, You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: My son and my daughter, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son and daughter he acknowledges.” Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons and daughters. For what “son”, for what “daughter” is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time (when we are discipline), all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.”

He said that if we experience all difficult work situations and trials, these matters are disciplines that the Lord allows us to undergo so that we become ready to fix or focus on inviting true gladness in the Lord.

Finally, he said that this Liturgy will let us see the role, which is missing amongst us. And that this is the only way wherein your priest will always work together, come to the Lord, especially in the Eucharist, and start His final work in His word and His Father God in Holy Communion.

After the Homily, presentations of the Parish Pastoral Council, followed by Basic Ecclesial Community, and the Parish Office Staff and Household Members were done by Bishop Valles to Fr. Roy Mejias.

The recitation of the Nicene Creed was done by Parish Priest, Fr. Roy Mejias, and was followed by his solemn Oath Taking.

Archbishop Valles accompanied Fr. Roy Mejias in incensing the Ambo and the Altar, symbolizing the importance of his role in proclaiming the Word of God and celebrating the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist.

Mgrs. Jaime Gamboa also read the letter of Appointment of the new Parochial Vicar, Rev. Fr. Matt Bernard Quiao.

After the mass, a fellowship dinner for everyone was held, as well as a simple program, with Dance presentations from various ministries. The Barangay Chairman of Brgy. Vincente Hizon Sr., and a representative from Brgy. Pampanga also gave a message of gratitude and support for welcoming Fr. Roy and Fr. Matt.

WARMEST WELCOME TO THE NEW SHEPHERDS & WISE TEACHERS OF THE PARISHIONERS OF ST. JOSEPH PARISH. (Emy D. Gamorot)