Viva San Juan Calabria! Calabrian Family in CDO Celebrated St. John Calabria’s Feast

Cagayan de Oro City – The Calabrian Family in Cagayan de Oro City was joyfully gathered last night, 6 PM, 8th of October 2024 for the solemn feast day celebration of St. John Calabria, the father and founder of the Poor Servants of Divine Providence Congregation (Priests, Brothers, and Sisters). Rev. Fr. Mark Jonnel H. Magos, PSDP, Delegation Councilor and Superior of the Religious Community of the Calabrians in Bayabas, led the eucharistic celebration. He was concelebrated by his fellow Calabrian priests and other visiting priests from the archdiocese and other religious congregations.

In his homily, he highlighted three C’s about the life and holiness of St. John Calabria: Charity, Concealment, and Confidence in God.

“Charity,” he said, “is what moved St. John Calabria to offer his bed to a poor kid who came at the doorsteps of his house, and this is also what made him offer his life to die in replace of Pope Pius XII who was gravely ill at that time.”

Concealment is St. John Calabria’s principle when he does good works. Fr. Magos explained: “St. John Calabria showed that, in doing good, we sought to magnify, glorify, and praise God, not ourselves.” Thus, St. John Calabria said: “We will be great if we remain small; we will be do as much good if we remain hidden and humble.”  

“Do not worry. God will provide” This is one of St. John Calabria’s favorite expression. Knowing this unfathomable love of God for him and all God’s children, St. John Calabria finds confidence in God through the words of Jesus: “Do not worry…” (Mt 6:34).

After the mass, a sumptuous dinner and a simple program were made to the delight of everyone present.

The celebration of St. John Calabria’s feast day was very meaningful and fruitful. Despite the heavy rains, the Calabrian Family in CDO gathered to celebrate the life and holiness of St. John Calabria, the father, brother, and friend of the entire Calabrian family.