The summer Bible Mission for 2015 was very fruitful for the Paulines in Davao because almost all the Sundays were programmed to visit many Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) or basic ecclesial communities (BEC) in the territory. They went toLingayao San Ignazio Manay, Davao Oriental on March 15, 2015. This was followed bySta. Cruz Parish, in New Cebu, Roxas Cotabato on April 19, 2015.
Divine Mercy Parish Mati, Davao Oriental, April 26, 2015 – This town was devastated by typhoon Pablo in 2012. Many people not only lost their homes, properties but also members of their families. The parish priest invited the Sisters to share some 100 Bibles to the poor members of their GKK and to give some basic Bible lessons. The sisters brought 110 copies of the Bible, that is, with an additional ten copies in case more will come. But almost 200 eager students of the Bible came to listen to the talks! They said they came just to listen to the lecture on the Bible, even if they cannot receive a Bible. No one left empty-handed, though, because the sisters gave those who were not able to get a copy of the Cebuano Bible a copy of Stories from the Bible in Cebuano and also some posters on How to Say the Rosary. After the 6-hour-session, they concluded the day with the Rite for the Acceptance of the Bible.
Our Lady of Mt. Apo Parish,Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur, May 17, 2015 – The missionaries had to pass so many winding roads to be able to reach the road to Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in Mindanao, for the Bible mission. When they reached the church, they were welcomed by kids offering them some garlands, since the place is known for beautiful flowers. The place supplies vegetables, fruits and flowers to Davao City market. The priest, Fr. Jojo, was very welcoming and prepared the people for the mission. A good number of participants arrived to listen to the six-hour explanation of the Bible, including the celebration of the rite for the Acceptance of the Bible. Since the Pauline Sisters in Davao do not have a vehicle, the SSP Fathers through Father Abet Bernal, graciously lent their car with the driver to carry out this mission.
The last mission place was Pasapason, San Ignazio de Loyola Parish, Man-ay, Davao Oriental on May 24, 2015. It was a 6-hour-trip on well-paved roads, beautiful vistas, and where sea and mountains kiss. For many of the people of Paspason, San Ignazio, it was the first time that they received and held a Bible in their hands. Many of them were moved to tears as they touched and kissed the Bible. The 68 participants not only learned about the Bible but they also received posters on the How to Say the Holy Rosary.
In all the mission places, the Sisters, together with some lay mission partners, friends, and benefactors assisted in the book exhibit and the participants eagerly took some of the books and other materials for their spiritual growth.