No. 889 Diocese of Marbel, Philippines 17 August 2016
Bolul Mission, Barangay Assumption, Koronadal City, was the setting for the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 15 August 2016.
Bishop Dinualdo, presider and homilist. Fourteen priests (13 Passionist and one diocesan), concelebrants.
Mary’s Assumption, body and soul, into heaven, was the result of her complete obedience to God. When informed by the Archangel Gabriel she was chosen by God to be Mother of the Son of God, she finally consented after some hesitation because she was a virgin. Death entered our world because of Adam’s disobedience. Through Christ’s obedience life was restored (cf. 1 Cor. 15: 20-26).
Mary’s obedience was further shown when she visited her cousin Elizabeth who was six months pregnant. She accompanied her for about three months until John was born (cf. Lk. 1: 39-56).
The struggle between good and evil, between God and Satan was portrayed in the First Reading where the “dragon stood before the women about to give birth ready to devour her child” once born ( cf. 11: 19; 12: 1-6, 10).
This struggle between good and evil is happening in our country. Drug lords, gambling lords, corrupt government officials and terrorists are causing so much sufferings. The poor, indigenous people are being victimized. The few good lack resources.
Change we must: personal and structural (laws, policies, programs, organizations).
This change should start with the individual person, then the family, neighborhood (purok), barangay, and so on.
The Diocesan Strategic Plan of Marbel on love in the family as mentioned before is one good program. Let us implement it. It is designed to last until the end of time when there will be no more families to shepherd.
An interesting feature of this celebration at Bolul Mission is the presence of nine (9) B’laan communities from Malungon, T’boli and Koronadal City. Main purpose: relearn the traditional B’laan culture.
Thank you, Fr. Mark Tobias, CP and team for organizing such meaningful and festive celebration of Mary’s Assumption into heaven.
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