A team composed of Redemptorist brothers from SATMI in Davao, along with a lay missionary, recently traveled to the parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao on May 30th. The journey took about six hours by land, heading deep into the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The reason for their visit was to hold an orientation in preparation for the arrival of a replica of the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Though the icon hasn’t arrived yet, the community is already filled with excitement and devotion. Many chapel leaders, parishioners, and long-time devotees came together for the event.
The orientation lasted just one day, but it was packed with meaningful sharing. The team talked about the history of the icon, the symbols found in it, and what an icon really means in our Catholic faith. They also introduced the Confraternity of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and shared about the mission of the Redemptorists, who have cared for and spread devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The parish priest, Fr. Bryan Suarez, is filled with hope. With the foundation for a new, larger church already laid and construction soon to continue, he dreams that one day it may be recognized as a diocesan shrine. For him and the entire community, the coming of the replica icon is a powerful sign of God’s grace and the loving intercession of Mary.
Though the visit was brief, it revealed something deeper—God is already present in the hearts of the people. And as they prepare for the arrival of the icon, the community of Sarmiento is ready to grow even closer to Christ through the loving presence of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Tyrone Grant, C.Ss.R.
Redemptorist Formation Community in Davao
