Redemptorist Formation Community Davao Update…
Ever since Pope Pius IX, in 1866, entrusted the Redemptorists with the mission of making Our Mother of Perpetual Help known throughout the world, we have remained faithful to this mandate.
Yet our dear Mother has her own way of capturing hearts. Her devotion has spread far and wide—to countries, nations, and even the most remote villages and cities—sometimes reaching places where the Redemptorists themselves have never been.
Such was the case of the Parish of Inahan sa Kanunayng Panabang (Our Mother of Perpetual Help) in Magugpo North, Suaybaguio, Tagum City, where the students of the Redemptorist Formation Community and the Davao Redemptorist Mission Community held an Icon Mission last November 25 to December 1.
The week-long mission was a moment of grace and encounter. There were house visitations and blessings, reflections on the icon, teachings on devotion and mission, the Sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation and Anointing of the sick, processions, novenas, and many more activities. All these aimed to strengthen the people’s faith and deepen their devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help as their patroness.
None of this would have been possible without the initiative of their active parish priest, Fr. Bobby Castillo, and the ever-supportive rector of the Davao Redemptorist Mission Community, Fr. Leo Armada, C.Ss.R., together with Fr. Jesus Sanito Umbac, C.Ss.R., Fr. Lemuel Nadorra, C.Ss.R, the students of RFC, the OMPH Confraternity, RYM, C.Ss.R aspirants, and dedicated volunteers.
More than 150 years later, Our Mother of Perpetual Help continues to touch hearts, minds, and spirits, making her one of the most recognizable and widely venerated titles and images of the Blessed Mother. It is our pride and joy that as we continue to make her known, she also makes us, the Redemptorists known by bridging and connecting us to the dear people of God.
Br. Mark Jimwel Castillo, C.Ss.R.
Second Year Theology
SATMI- Redemptorist Formation Community, Davao City, Philippines
