Our Lady of Assumption Parish Caburan begins the Novena in Honor of St. John Calabria

Caburan, Jose Abad Santos – The Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, opened the first day of its novena in honor of St. John Calabria on September 29, 2025, at 5:15 PM, gathering parishioners and devotees in prayer for peace and harmony. The celebration, presided over by Fr. Marc B. Yape, PSDP, marked the beginning of a spiritual journey leading to the liturgical feast of St. John Calabria.

The novena, organized by the Congregation of the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (PSDP), seeks to unite the entire Calabrian Family in prayer and reflection. This year’s intention focuses on interceding for the great gift of peace so that all people of goodwill may live in the fullness of shalom.

The evening began with the novena prayer at 5:15 PM, followed by the Holy Eucharist at 5:30 PM. The first day centered on the theme “Administrators: We Are Stewards of What God Has Entrusted to Us”, inspired by Matthew 25:14-30, emphasizing faithful stewardship of God’s creation and resources.

St. John Calabria’s words also guided the faithful during the reflection: “We are gathered here, first and foremost, to seek and practice the great ‘Quaerite primum’—to seek God and His glory in all our actions.”

The first day concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to live as true stewards of God’s gifts, especially in a world marked by conflict and environmental crises. As the novena continues, parishioners are invited to join in the succeeding days of prayer, deepening their devotion and unity as a community of faith.