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Our Lady of Lourdes Parish - Davao, Cordillera Street, Central Park Subdivision, Bangkal, Davao City (2026)

24/08/2026

SAINT OF THE DAY

ST. JOSEPH CALASANZ

August 25: Saint Joseph of Calasanz, Priest—Optional Memorial
1556–1648
Patron Saint of Catholic schools (especially ones for the poor), colleges, and schoolchildren
Canonized by Pope Clement XIII on July 16, 1767
Liturgical Color: White

Joseph Calasanz was born near Peralta de la Sal, in the Kingdom of Aragon, modern-day Spain. His parents were members of the nobility and devout Catholics who ensured that he was well educated and learned his catechism. As a boy, Joseph gathered other children to teach them about God.

While the teenaged Joseph was educated by the Trinitarian Order, he sensed God calling him to be a priest. He studied philosophy at the University of Lleida, theology in Valencia, and finished his education in Madrid. After Joseph almost died due to a serious illness, his father put aside his hope that Joseph would marry and carry on the family name. Joseph was ordained on December 17, 1583.

For nine years, Father Calasanz worked in administration and served as a bishop’s theologian and confessor. In 1592, he experienced a vision in which he saw himself teaching large numbers of children in Rome with the help of angels. At age thirty-five, he moved to Rome.

In Rome, many poor and orphaned children were homeless. Besides catechesis, they needed education and formation in every area of life. In response, Father Calasanz attempted to admit these children to a local school for free, but he met with opposition. The poorly paid teachers were often unwilling to accept more children without pay. A local pastor allowed Father Calasanz to use some rooms at his church for classes. Soon, other priests offered to help with the catechesis, and five years after arriving in Rome, Father Calasanz opened the first free school for children in all of Europe.

From one school, the Holy Spirit flooded this good priest with abundance. From the pope and bishops, to local priests and laity, many supported his good work. In 1600, Father Calasanz opened his first “Pious School” in Rome. Two years later, around 1,000 children attended his schools.

At that time, Father Calasanz rented a house in Rome so that he and his assistant priests could form a community while engaged in their work. Over the next fifteen years, more than a dozen priests joined Father Calasanz. With the priests sensing God’s call to form a religious order, Father Calasanz wrote a rule. In 1617, Pope Paul V approved it, and the “Pauline Congregation of the Poor of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools” (Piarist for short) was established. In addition to poverty, chastity, and obedience, the fathers took a fourth vow of dedicating themselves to the free education of children, especially the poor. In 1621, Pope Gregory XV elevated the congregation to a religious order, naming them “Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools.”

When Father Calasanz died in 1648, the Piarist Fathers ran dozens of free schools throughout Europe. Father Calasanz created his own teaching methods and curriculum, which he instilled in his brother priests. They welcomed all students, including Jews and Protestants. In addition to catechism, they taught science, math, literature, and Latin. They focused on character formation, hygiene, and basic skills to promote healthy living. Their discipline was mild, preferring to anticipate problems and prevent them, rather than being harsh after the children went astray. Today, the 1,400 Piarist Fathers extend from Europe to Asia, Africa, and North and South America.

Saint Joseph Calasanz, God called you to share your education and faith with others. Please pray that I will use all I have received in life for God’s glory and for the good of others, helping all who need my help to grow closer to God and fulfill His will. Saint Joseph Calasanz, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: mycatholic.life

24/08/2026

SAINT OF THE DAY

ST. LOUIS

August 25: Saint Louis, King—Optional Memorial
1214–1270
Patron Saint of barbers, hairdressers, builders, construction workers, button makers, distillers, embroiderers, needleworkers, kings, sculptors, soldiers, stoneworkers, bridegrooms, parenthood, parents of large families, prisoners, sick people, and co-patron of the Third Order of Saint Francis
Invoked against the death of children and difficult marriages
Canonized by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297
Liturgical Color: White

Louis IX, born in Poissy, France, the fourth child of the Crown Prince and Princess of France, Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. Louis’ father died in 1226, making Louis IX king when he was twelve years old. His mother acted as his regent until he was old enough to rule at age nineteen. Louis IX was well educated in Latin, public speaking, writing, military arts, and government by tutors his mother handpicked. One day, she told her young son that she would rather see him dead at her feet than see him commit a mortal sin, a statement that resonated in Louis’ heart.

Blanche ruled with virtue as regent. She supported monasteries and convents, practiced her faith, was generous to the poor, and governed with justice. When Louis was eighteen, he married Margaret of Provence, the thirteen-year-old daughter of Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence. Margaret was an ideal wife for Louis on account of her piety and virtue. The couple fell in love and had eleven children. They enjoyed spending time with each other—reading, riding, listening to music, and praying. Because of the couple’s close bond, Louis’ mother and wife had a strained relationship.

King Louis’ thirty-six-year reign was marked by justice, care for the poor, and deep devotion. King Louis recited the Divine Office daily, attended Mass twice each day, and wore a hairshirt under his clothing. He engaged in public penances, built and supported monasteries and convents, and collected relics (including the Crown of Thorns) that he housed in Sainte-Chapelle, or “Holy Chapel.” King Louis also promoted the sacred arts and laid the foundation for academic institutions of theological excellence. He built hospitals for the sick, homes of reformation for prostitutes, and personally cared for the poor. King Louis spent long periods of time listening to grievances from his people and issuing just resolutions. He reformed the legal system, outlawing archaic and unjust practices. He sought common-sense solutions to disputes within the nobility, rather than violence. Other rulers even called upon him to settle serious conflicts in their kingdoms.

In 1248, King Louis set out with his army of crusaders to recapture Jerusalem from the Khwarazmian Turks in the Seventh Crusade. His aim was Egypt, the center of Muslim power. Successful in taking the city of Damietta, his army was decimated as it tried to advance, and the king was captured and imprisoned. After being ransomed, he spent four years supporting and encouraging Crusaders in the Holy Land. After six years, he returned home to France.

In 1267, King Louis set out for Tunisia in hopes of converting the Muslim king to the Catholic faith, perhaps establishing peace between Christians and Muslims. Upon arriving in Northern Africa, disease broke out in the Crusader camp and took King Louis IX’s life. His body was sent back to France, and his son, Philip III, succeeded him as king. Twenty-seven years after Louis’ death, Pope Boniface VIII canonized Saint Louis on account of his piety, his efforts to reform and improve justice, and his leadership in two Crusades.

Saint Louis, you came to know Christ at a young age and responded by being a king after the Heart of Christ, seeking justice and peace for all. Please pray that I will embrace my duties with love and justice, never seeking selfish desires but only the desires in the Heart of Christ. Saint Louis, King of France, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: mycatholic.life

24/08/2026

DAILY GOSPEL REFLECTION

A CONFRONTATION OF LOVE
August 25, 2025
Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings for Today

Saint Louis, King—Optional Memorial

Saint Joseph of Calasanz, Priest—Optional Memorial

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cu**in, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!” Matthew 23:23–24

Over the course of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, the Church presents nearly all of Chapter 23 of Matthew’s Gospel, which contains Jesus’ powerful denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. This confrontation took place in the Temple area during Passover week—the days leading up to His Passion and Death. After His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what we now commemorate as Palm Sunday, Jesus spent the following days preaching, healing, and facing mounting opposition from religious leaders. He began by cleansing the Temple, overturning the tables of the moneychangers and declaring, “My house shall be a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). In the days that followed, He was challenged by the chief priests, scribes, Herodians, elders, and Pharisees, and He responded to each with unwavering clarity—firmly, yet lovingly rebuking them in an attempt to win them over.

In this particular encounter, Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for neglecting “the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity,” while appearing outwardly righteous. He accuses them of being “full of plunder and self-indulgence,” revealing the dissonance between their external piety and their inner corruption. Though meticulous in tithing even the smallest herbs—mint, dill, and cu**in—they ignored the heart of the law: love of God and neighbor. Their spiritual blindness led them to fixate on minor religious details while disregarding justice and mercy. By calling them “blind guides,” Jesus exposes their failure as leaders who burden others without embracing the deeper demands of righteousness themselves.

This rebuke is not born of anger but of love. Jesus calls them to interior conversion—to cleanse the heart so that external actions may be authentically holy. His image of straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel vividly illustrates their misplaced priorities. Jesus challenges them, and us, to examine whether our religious practices are rooted in grace or driven by appearances and habits. True fidelity to God requires both faithful observance and the necessary virtues that give those actions meaning. In confronting these leaders, Jesus offers not condemnation but a merciful warning meant to awaken their hearts before His Passion begins.

What stands out in this confrontation is the fierce and unrelenting nature of Jesus’ rebukes. He calls them hypocrites and blind guides, comparing them to cups that are clean outside but filthy within. These are not vague criticisms, but pointed and prophetic warnings. Like the prophets of old, Jesus demands more than superficial religiosity—He calls for integrity of heart. Each rebuke is a summons to repentance from the One who sees both actions and intentions. Sadly, many of His listeners refused to be moved.

Reflect today on the gravity of Jesus’ words. Though most of the scribes and Pharisees appear to have rejected His rebukes, they are recorded in Scripture so that every generation may apply them to their own lives. Hear them as if spoken to you—not to discourage, but to inspire conversion. While we may not mirror the scribes and Pharisees in every detail, we all benefit from confronting our own spiritual complacency. This can be a challenging exercise, but when undertaken with humility and trust—recognizing that Jesus’ words are meant to heal and draw us closer to Him—it becomes a path to deeper grace. Let His rebukes take root within you, pulling up even the smallest weeds of pride or neglect, so that true virtue may flourish.

Most merciful Lord, Your love for the scribes and Pharisees was so deep and consuming that You relentlessly pursued them, challenging the hardness of their hearts so they might turn from self-righteousness to the righteousness that comes through Your grace. Grant me the humility to receive Your loving rebukes and apply them to my own life, that I may be moved to true repentance and become fertile ground for Your transforming grace. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: catholic-daily-reflections

23/08/2026

SAINT OF THE DAY

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW

August 24: Saint Bartholomew the Apostle—Feast
First Century

Patron Saint of bookbinders, butchers, cobblers, leatherworkers, plasterers, shoemakers, tanners, trappers, and whiteners
Invoked against neurological diseases
Pre-Congregation canonization
Liturgical Color: Red

Today, the Church honors one of the Twelve Apostles whom Jesus handpicked to form His Church and to go forth to the ends of the earth to share the Good News. Bartholomew, as he is named in the Synoptic Gospels, is most likely not his name, but a description of his lineage. His name in Aramaic is bar-Tôlmay, translated as “son of Tolmai.” Most scholars agree that the Bartholomew mentioned in the Synoptics is the same person as Nathanael in John’s Gospel. It might be that “Nathanael, the son of Tolmai,” is the full name of today’s saint.

Bartholomew appears in the Synoptic Gospels in the lists of the Apostles (Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:16–19, and Luke 6:14–16). The Acts of the Apostles mentions him as one of the Apostles present in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:13). John’s Gospel relates the calling of Nathanael (John 1:45-51). John also identifies him as one of the seven who were present when Jesus appeared to them at the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection (John 21:2).

In John 1:43–51, we read that Jesus found Philip in Galilee and said to him, “Follow me.” Philip appears to immediately follow. He is so excited that he finds Nathanael, who might have been a friend or relative. He says to Nathanael, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” Nathanael is initially skeptical. He retorts, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip tells Nathanael, “Come and see.”

When Nathanael came to Jesus, Jesus said to him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael inquired how Jesus knew him, and Jesus replied that He had seen Nathanael sitting under a fig tree. This touched Nathanael so deeply that he was converted. He cries out, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” It wasn’t Jesus’ words that touched Nathanael; it was His divine Person, masked behind His human form. Nathanael’s soul perceived the presence of God in Jesus, and he immediately became His follower.

Though we do not know for certain how Nathanael, son of Tolmai (Bartholomew), fulfilled Jesus’ Great Commission, one early tradition from Eusebius of Caesarea, a Church historian from the third to fourth century, stated that he went to India where he left a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. Later traditions state that he also went to Armenia, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia, and Lycaonia. Some traditions say that he was martyred in Albanopolis, which might be one of two ancient towns either in modern-day Armenia or Albania. Those traditions state that he was beheaded or flayed alive and crucified upside down in retribution for converting the King of Armenia. For this reason, Saint Bartholomew often appears in sacred art holding his skin, such as in Michelangelo’s Last Judgment scene found in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

Saint Bartholomew, you met Jesus and immediately discerned Him to be the Son of God. Your openness to divine grace enabled our Lord to touch your soul and change you forever. Please pray that I will be open to Jesus’ divine presence so that He can touch my soul and change my life. Saint Bartholomew, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: mycatholic.life

23/08/2026

DAILY GOSPEL REFLECTION

YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD!
August 24, 2026

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

Readings for Today

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:45–46

The name “Bartholomew” is listed in the Synoptic Gospels as one of Jesus’ chosen Twelve Apostles. His name means, “son of Tolmai.” In John’s Gospel, he is traditionally identified as Nathanael. It’s possible that his full name was Nathanael, son of Tolmai.

In John’s Gospel, Andrew and John—two fishermen from Capernaum—were the first to be called by Jesus. Andrew then told his friend Philip, who subsequently told Nathanael, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

Nathanael’s immediate response was one of doubt: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” This reflected the fact that Nazareth was a small and seemingly insignificant town at that time; moreover, the Messiah was expected to come from Bethlehem, the City of David. Neither Philip nor Nathanael knew Jesus had actually been born in Bethlehem. Yet Philip’s response opened the door to a dramatic transformation in Nathanael’s life: “Come and see.”

Because Nathanael was open, he did go to see Jesus. When Jesus saw him approaching, He said, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Jesus had seen Nathanael sitting under a fig tree earlier, and upon revealing this, Nathanael responded in a way that must have surprised even himself: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

According to ancient tradition, after Pentecost, Nathanael evangelized in regions that included India, Armenia, and Mesopotamia, ultimately giving his life as a martyr, possibly by being flayed alive. What a change from his initial skepticism to his final act of witness! Little did Nathanael realize that the humble carpenter from Nazareth would change not only his life, but the entire world.

As we honor Saint Bartholomew today, ponder the one quality Jesus attributed to him: “There is no duplicity in him.” To be without duplicity is to be sincere, honest, and transparent before God and others. It is to possess an integrity of heart that seeks the truth and responds wholeheartedly when that truth is revealed. Bartholomew’s journey from skepticism to a bold profession of faith reveals the transformation that takes place in a soul open to grace. His life teaches us that God can use even our hesitation to draw us deeper into faith if we are only willing to “come and see.”

In what ways do you hesitate in your response to God? Today, we did not meet Jesus for the first time, as did Bartholomew. We know Him through prayer, through the witness of the saints, and especially through the Sacred Scriptures. There are many profound and life-altering truths contained in God’s Word. We are called to approach these truths as disciples ready to be transformed. Like Nathanael, we may initially struggle with doubt, indifference, or preconceived notions, but the invitation stands: “Come and see.” Jesus continues to reveal Himself to us in countless ways, if we are only open. If we approach Him with sincerity and without duplicity, He will speak to our hearts, reveal our true selves to us, and call us into deeper communion with Him.

Reflect today on the witness of Saint Bartholomew’s life. See in him any hesitation you may have about wholeheartedly following Christ. With him, come and see our Lord. Seek Him in prayer and in His Word. Let Him speak to your heart. Approach Him without duplicity. Be open, attentive, sincere, and honest. And when He speaks, do not hesitate to follow Him, declaring with Saint Bartholomew: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

My humble Lord, You did not present Yourself to Nathanael as a powerful king or a mighty military leader, but as a humble resident of Nazareth. Yet upon meeting You with an open heart, Nathanael made a life-changing profession of faith in You. Like Saint Bartholomew, may I always come to You with an open and sincere heart. And when You come to me, grant me the grace to cry out with conviction and love, “You are the Son of God!” Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: catholic-daily-reflections

23/08/2026

𝐀𝐔𝐆. 𝟐𝟐 | 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝟒𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐅𝐑. 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐁𝐄!

The Our Lady of Lourdes Parish community joins the Archdiocese of Davao as it warmly greets Rev. Fr. Ranebe J. Magallanes on his 4th Sacerdotal Anniversary last August 22, 2026.

May the Lord renew your strength and bless your sacred ministry abundantly as you faithfully fulfill your pastoral duties, bringing the word of God to others. We pray that the Lord will sustain you in your priestly ministry.

Happy 4th Sacerdotal Anniversary, Fr. Ranebe! 🙏

23/08/2026

𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

"𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴?"

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Roger D. Duhaylungsod highlights the importance of truly getting to know Jesus and deepening our relationship with Him. All knowledge and wisdom come from God, and surpass human understanding. Yet, God does not stand distant, He reveals Himself to us through Jesus Christ.

If our relationship with God is deep, if our faith is strong, and when we truly get to know Jesus, it will naturally reflect in our daily lives through our actions, conversion, and renewal.

It is through God's power and grace that we are able to truly know Jesus. Just like how Peter was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Church, we too are called to help others encounter Christ and allow His grace to transform their lives.

22/08/2026

DAILY GOSPEL REFLECTION

OVERCOMING THE GATES OF HELL
August 23, 2026
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Readings for Today

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13–16

The symbolism associated with Caesarea Philippi is central to today’s Gospel. Located north of Jesus’ home base in Capernaum, it was a predominantly pagan city known for its shrines to false gods. One of the most prominent was Pan, after whom the region was named Panias (later Banias). Pan, a Greek god, was honored at a shrine near a large cave and spring considered the entrance to Hades. Pan was the god of nature, shepherds, flocks, wild places, fertility, and rustic music, and was often depicted as half man, half goat, with horns and hooves. He played the pan flute and was associated with lust, chaos, and sudden fear—from which we get the word panic.

Additionally, the city was the site of a temple dedicated to the late emperor, Caesar Augustus, who was worshiped as a god throughout the Roman Empire. It was into this spiritually dark pagan setting that Jesus led His disciples—on what may have been a two-day journey—for what culminated in a single, monumental question.

Jesus took the Twelve away from the comfort of their familiar fishing village and Jewish neighbors for a reason. He wanted them to answer His question not in the midst of the familiar and safe, but in a place marked by spiritual confusion and idolatry. Why? So that faith could be professed even there, and divine grace could confront the darkness that permeated the region.

At first, He asked who the people said He was. They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But then He posed the question that reached the heart of His mission: “But who do you say that I am?” This was a moment of divine testing—one which Simon passed with profound faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus’ extraordinary and consequential response has enduring significance to this day. He declared:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you lose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17–19).

With these sacred words, Jesus founded His Church upon Peter, making him the first pope. In biblical tradition, a change of name signifies a new mission and identity. Simon, son of Jonah, was now to be called Peter—Petros in Greek and Cephas in Aramaic—meaning “rock.” Peter became the solid foundation upon which Christ’s Church would be built. No pagan power, false god, or earthly ruler would ever overcome what Christ established with divine authority.

Reflect today on the significance of the papacy. Even now, in the successor of Saint Peter, the words of Simon continue to echo throughout the world: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the pope’s first and most important duty—to bear witness to Christ, the Son of God. Despite the personal weaknesses of some popes and the saintliness of others, it is Jesus who established Peter and his successors as the visible foundation of the Church. Pray for the Holy Father, and trust in the timeless witness of every pope since that first moment in Caesarea Philippi—a witness upheld not by human strength, but by Christ’s own promise. To profess faith in the papacy is to profess faith in the One who instituted it and endowed it with His divine authority.

My Lord, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. With Simon, I profess this truth and place my faith in You, who established Simon, son of Jonah, as Peter—the rock and foundation of Your Church. I believe and profess that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the Church, not because of human strength or perfection, but because of Your eternal promise. I pray for our Holy Father, the pope, and for all his successors. Make them true and faithful witnesses to the confession first spoken by Saint Peter. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: catholic-daily-reflections

21/08/2026

SAINT OF THE DAY

QUEENSHIP OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

August 22: Queenship of Blessed Virgin Mary—Memorial
Liturgical Color: White

The twentieth century saw a resurgence in devotion to the Mother of God. Several decades prior, on December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. This was confirmed in 1858, when the Blessed Mother appeared in Lourdes, France to Bernadette Soubirous, a fourteen-year-old peasant girl. The Heavenly Lady told Bernadette, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Lourdes became a frequent pilgrim site where many miracles have occurred.

In 1916, three shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal received three apparitions from the Angel of Peace, the Guardian Angel of Portugal. In 1917, they received six apparitions from the Lady of the Rosary. At her final apparition, 70,000 witnessed the promised miracle. A pouring rain suddenly stopped, the sun danced and plunged to earth, and everything and everyone were immediately dry.

In 1950, Pope Pius XII issued an apostolic constitution, declaring as dogma that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. Since Jesus, as King of Kings, sits on His throne at the Father’s right hand in Heaven and Mary was assumed into Heaven, today’s memorial is the logical conclusion.

Early Church Fathers used a “typology” to establish the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. For example, though King Solomon sinned, he is a prefigurement, or “type” of Christ because he was a peacemaker, filled with wisdom, and built the Temple. Saint Augustine’s commentary on Psalm 127 states that our Lord is “the true Solomon” and that “Solomon was the figure of this Peacemaker.” Christ is the true Peacemaker who built the true Temple of His Body, the Church. Following this form, theologians note that King Solomon paid his own mother homage and granted her requests (1 Kings 2:19–20). If King Solomon, an Old Testament type of Christ, honored his Queen Mother’s requests and sat her on a throne next to his, then so much more does our Lord, the true King of Kings, honor His mother. Today’s memorial celebrates that Jesus’ mother sits on a throne next to His, and Jesus says to her, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”

For these reasons, on October 11, 1954, four years after proclaiming the Assumption, Pope Pius XII instituted the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary in his encyclical, Ad Caeli Reginam (The Queen of Heaven). This memorial was assigned to May 31, following the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but in 1969, Pope Paul VI moved the date to August 22, eight days after the Solemnity of the Assumption. Largely this was done to create an octave of anticipation and to show that the Assumption results in the Mother of God being also the Queen Mother of Heaven and Earth.

As Queen, Mother Mary intercedes for us and acts as His mediator. From her heavenly throne, the Queen Mother of Heaven and Earth is entrusted with God’s grace. Not the source, she is privileged to be the instrument of distribution. As a mother, she is pleased to lavish every good thing upon her earthly children. She longs to gather them together in Heaven, with and in her divine Son.

The heart of today’s memorial is simple. We have a Queen Mother in Heaven. We turn to her with childlike faith and simplicity. As a young child runs to his mother in time of need, never questioning her love, protection, and care, so we run to her. She is our protectress, our refuge, our hope, and our sweet delight. Her affection is perfect and her motherly love is unmatched.

Mother and Queen of Heaven, I run to you as a child with confidence and trust. You are the glorious Queen Mother, reigning over your children with love and mercy. Please pray for me and bestow upon me all that I need. I open my heart to your Son’s grace that you are entrusted to dispense. Make me holy and free from sin, so you can present me spotless and pure to your beloved Son, the King of the Universe. Queen of Heaven, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish - Davao

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