Metro Manila, honored Saint Pedro Poveda, on the anniversary of his glorious martyrdom, in various ways, as TA members offered to celebrate the occasion in parishes where they are involved.
The Holy Family Parish in Roxas District Mandaluyong where our Saint has been declared Secondary Patron since July 19, 2019, announced a 9-day Novena and Masses (July 19-27, 2024) to be held.
In anticipation, the relic of Father Poveda was exposed for veneration in the altar dedicated to him in the church. Novena prayers were led by TA members, students and staff of St. Pedro Poveda College and of the youth movement. Attendance during the Novena and Masses included parishioners, the Elisa Giambelluca scholars of St. Pedro Poveda College and their parents with members of the TA from different parts of the city.
Typhoon
Unfortunately, typhoon Carina flooded Roxas District causing the suspension of the Novena and Masses for two days. The parish church was occupied by poor people of the vicinity who sought refuge there during those two days, eliciting the care, concern and generosity of persons in the surrounding community and TA members in Luzon, as Poveda himself would have done. The celebration of the Novena and Masses took off again on Sunday July 28 date of his martyrdom.
All Sunday scheduled masses in the parish then were dedicated to the Feast of its Secondary Patron highlighted by the 6:00 pm Mass presided by Rev. Father Marvin Pajarillaga, parish priest. During his homily he referred to Father Poveda’s words: “The fewer needs you have, the happier will your life be.”
Father Pajarillaga gave a final touch to the celebration of the anniversary inviting all present to a simple dinner.
A friend to all
Saint Pedro Poveda was also honored in Our Lady of EDSA Shrine with a 9-day Novena of Masses (July 19-27, 2024) every 5:30 pm. On July 27, Rev. Father Jerome Secillano, Rector of the Shrine, oficiated a solemn Mass in honor of St. Pedro Poveda’s martyrdom.
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Mandaluyong, where a frame of St. Pedro Poveda was installed in 2017, also honored our Saint on his martyrdom with a Mass celebrated on July 30, 2024, at 6:00pm by Rev. Father Russel Ocampo, Parish Priest. Some members of the TA and Elisa Giambelluca scholars of Saint Pedro Poveda living in the area also joined the Mass.
The feast was also celebrated in the Holy Spirit Parish of BF Homes, Quezon City where members who live in our Wellness House there participated and shared about Father Poveda.
On July 29, the employees and staff of Saint Pedro Poveda College Quezon City joyously celebrated the Solemnity of Saint Pedro Poveda Castroverde, Priest, Martyr, and Founder of the Teresian Association, with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was presided over by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao.
Occasions are availed of to make our Founder better known:
In Holy Family parish, an exhibit of Poveda’s life and work in Linares, Guadix, Covadonga, Madrid was set up. Likewise, on July 28, during the Almusalan sa Parokya (breakfast given to street dwellers) held by the parish every Sunday, TA members shared with those present about the life and work of Saint Pedro Poveda.
Bookmarks with thoughts and prayers of Saint Pedro Poveda were distributed to all who joined in the activities organized.
Saint Pedro Poveda has become a familiar friend to all.
Teresita Infante, Manila.
Published in News