DAVAO ARCHBISHOP Romulo G. Valles, D.D., called on the Catholic faithful to practice sacrifice and mindfulness during the final days of Lent.
In a message, the Archbishop encouraged everyone to adopt practical measures amid the “great difficulty and hardships,” citing the ongoing war in the Middle East.
He also urged mass attendees to limit travel and to plan only for necessary trips.
For those attending liturgical celebrations and the Visita Iglesia, the Archdiocese advised carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. He suggested that the faithful could choose to visit only one or two churches to minimize travel.
While the tradition of visiting multiple churches on Holy Thursday and Good Friday is a “wonderful pious tradition,” Valles reminded the public that it is not obligatory.
The Archbishop emphasized that these small acts of sacrifice are ways to help “lighten the hardships” of the community.
“In all this, we trust that the Lord will bless our efforts, no matter how small, and make ‘miracles’ of them, to give us strength and hope in these difficult times,” Valles stated.
The Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) urged faithfuls to embark on a meaningful Visita Iglesia around the city, taking time to pause, pray, and reflect.
CTOO release guide for churches to visit to guide Davaoeños.
- Mt. Calvary of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Tibungco
- St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish (Buhangin Shrine) in Buhangin-
- Carmelite Monastery – Bajada (Lanang area)
- St. Francis of Assisi Parish – Ma-a
- Mother of Mercy Shrine – New Carmen, Tugbok
- Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague – Matina
- Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer – Mulig
- Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus – Davao City
- Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne – Sta. Ana Avenue
- San Pedro Cathedral – San Pedro Street
- Santo Rosario Parish – Toril
- Immaculate Conception Parish (Mintal) – Mintal, Tugbok District
- Our Lady of Lourdes Parish – Bangkal, Talomo District
- Holy Spirit Adoration Convent (Pink Sisters) – Catalunan Grande
- St. Francis Xavier Seminary Chapel – Catalunan Grande
- Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish – Bajada
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish – Boulevard
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish – Obrero
