Author: Hayden Powick

In June 2025, seminarian Zulu Serop undertook his Summer Pastoral Immersion in the Philippines, spending time in both Digos City and Davao City.

For six weeks, he was based at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur. There, he served in the ministry of acolyte, assisted in parish activities, and took part in community gatherings.

Zulu also spent time with the Balay Pasilungan community in Davao City, a mission that provides care and support for young people. His involvement included assisting in parish life and engaging with the children and youth of the program.

The immersion offered a broad picture of the Marist mission in the Philippines, from vibrant parish life to dedicated outreach programs. Through these experiences in Digos and Davao, Zulu witnessed the diverse ways in which the Church continues to serve and accompany people in Mindanao.

Last Friday, our Mother’s Day celebration at Marist Asia Foundation was a joyful blend of culture, gratitude, and community spirit. The day began with a warm welcome from Kroo Luk, one of our Thai teachers, followed by a heartfelt song in honour of the Queen. Our Year 4 students delighted the audience with a graceful Thai dance, while our PP students brought energy and colour with a traditional Burmese dance. Two mothers of our students shared moving speeches, reminding us of the love, sacrifice, and dedication of all mothers.

We then recognised the hard work of our students, awarding academic prizes for the 2024–25 school year and presenting certificates to the winners of our Mother’s Day art competition. In the afternoon, the whole school came together for a community clean-up, collecting rubbish from the school compound and nearby streets. The celebration ended on a high note with exciting sports activities, leaving everyone with a sense of pride, unity, and appreciation for the day.

Last May 13, 2025, the community of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Matti, Digos City
gathered with joyful hearts to celebrate the 6th Parochial Fiesta in honor our beloved
patroness, Our Lady of Fatima. With the theme, “Maria: Inahan ug Giya sa Panaw sa
Paglaum” (Mary: Mother and Guide on the Journey of Hope), this year’s celebration became
a gentle yet powerful reminder that Mary walk with us, guiding the Church through the
uncertainties and challenges of life.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Guillermo V. Afable,
D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Digos. Concelebrating with him were several diocesan clergy
and members of the Society of Mary District of Asia.

In his homily, Bishop Afable invited the faithful to contemplate the image of Mary at
Fatima—not as distant or unreachable, but as a mother who draws near to her children in
times of fear, doubt, and crisis. He reflected on the significance of Mary’s message at
Fatima—a call to prayer, penance, and conversion—as still profoundly relevant today. “We
are pilgrims of hope,” he said, “and Mary walks with us, leading us always to her Son,
Jesus.”