Visit of St. John Calabria's Relics in Cagayan de Oro City
Cagayan de Oro City: In the morning of May 18, 2023, the seven relics of St. John Calabria made their arrival in Cagayan de Oro City. Laypeople and Calabrian religious eagerly gathered to join a grand procession leading to the Calabrian Children's Foundation (CCF) in Barangay Bayabas. As the relics reached their destination, the children warmly welcomed them by waving flags and singing the Jubilee theme song dedicated to St. John Calabria. Without delay, the relics were publicly displayed, allowing everyone to venerate them.
In the afternoon, Fr. Ronnie provided a catechism on the significance of the relics of St. John Calabria, followed by a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Marvin Tadena. During the celebration, a heartfelt serenade was performed as a tribute to the beloved Saint, with the participation of the boys and girls from the Foundation, the San Guillermo Choir, and the religious brothers and sisters. The evening concluded with a simple yet meaningful dinner, bringing the day's events to a close.
On the second day of the visit, the relics were respectfully transferred from the Calabrian Children's Foundation to the Calabrian religious community located in Lumbia. This was made through a holy procession motorcade, attended by both the religious brothers and sisters with some dedicated Calabrian lay family. Upon their arrival, the relics were warmly welcomed and made available for public veneration throughout the afternoon.
The day's events continued with a momentous celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided by Archbishop Jose A. Cabantan, DD, and concelebrated by diocesan and religious priests from various parishes and congregations. The relics of St. John Calabria attracted numerous attendees, including lay individuals, religious sisters, and lay missionaries from different congregations and parishes, all seeking to venerate the relics of our beloved founder.
As the evening progressed, a simple yet heartfelt dinner was shared among the participants. Later, at 9:00 PM, the relics were reverently gathered for repositioning, as they were scheduled to embark on a journey to Mlang, Cotabato, followed by Digos City, at 10:00 PM.
