A mother’s words of love became a poignant reminder of faith and devotion as the Catalinan community gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on September 8, 2026.
The celebration began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by COSCA School President Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Gonzalo Omison and Rev. Fr. John Nguyen Thanh Vinh. During his homily, Fr. Omison recalled words once spoken to him by his late mother: “You just don’t know how much I love you.” The words, which Fr. Omison carried with him through the years, became the heart of his reflection on love, faith, and Mary’s willingness to embrace her calling as the mother of Jesus.
Fr. Omison encouraged the Catalinan community to express love openly and consistently, reminding the faithful that love is not only felt but also spoken, shown, and lived through one’s actions. He also connected his mother’s expression of love to Mary’s own “yes,” which Christians regard as an act of faith and obedience to God’s will. Through Mary’s response to her calling, Fr. Omison urged the community to allow their love for God and one another to inspire them to do good.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, Dr. Consolacion C. Unabia formally opened the Marian Day celebration and led the college community through the Five Stations of Mary. The activities provided the Catalinan community with an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s life and her role in the Christian faith while strengthening the spirit of prayer and togetherness within the school community. As the celebration came together in prayer and remembrance, the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary became more than a commemoration of Mary’s birth. It also offered the COSCA community a reflection on the enduring power of a simple “yes” and the love that can follow from it.
Words | Rochelle S. Nillas
Photos | Jeff Gerald Gonedo and Rowell Carl Tabaranza
