Kalakbay sa Pag-asa: 84th Fiesta of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

On September 15, 2025, Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows (OLSP) on F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City, celebrated its 84th Fiesta. OLSP is the only parish in the Philippines managed by the Society of St. Paul, currently under the pastoral care of Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP, and the SSP Pasay community.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, OLSP serves as the Jubilee Church of the Archdiocese of Manila for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and their families—a designated site of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal for those incarcerated, affected by the justice system, and their loved ones.

With the theme Mater Dolorosa de la Pieta: Kalakbay sa Pag-asa, the parish organized several activities: a special Mass for prisoners, parish-wide events, and novena Masses with invited priest-celebrants. On September 13, a solemn procession of the Mater Dolorosa along F.B. Harrison Street drew the participation of many parishioners.

The fiesta Mass took place at 5:30 PM on September 15, presided by Msgr. Reginald “Regie” Malicdem, Vicar General and Moderator Curiae of the Archdiocese of Manila, together with SSP priests and clergy of the Sta. Clara Vicariate.

In his homily, Msgr. Regie expressed his gratitude to Fr. Cris and the SSP community for their assistance in his pastoral work. Reflecting on the celebration, he admitted that it may seem “strange” to honor Mary’s sorrows with a fiesta. Yet, he explained, this is the Church’s way of recognizing Mary who accompanied her Son in both joy and suffering. He emphasized that trials and hardships are part of human life, but when faced with courage and hope, they can lead to growth and goodness. He illustrated this with a personal memory of an elementary teacher who imposed challenging term papers—a hardship that became a foundation for his later success.

At the end of the Mass, Fr. Cris thanked the Pasay City government, barangay officials, parish organizations, benefactors, and friends for their support. He also expressed deep appreciation to Msgr. Regie, SSP priests, and the clergy of the Sta. Clara Vicariate.

The celebration concluded with a reception at the parish hall, where parishioners and guests shared in the spirit of gratitude and hope.