A Call to Peace, Not Sides
By Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado
Published on August 4, 2025
In recent days, the events in our parish have been painful and heavy.
Many have asked questions, expressed concern, and felt confused. Words have also been spoken that are not pleasing in the eyes of God—words that wound, not only individuals, but the Body of Christ itself, our Church.
I’ve heard people say, “The priest will eventually leave. We are the ones who will remain.” And in my heart, this is what I wish to say:
Yes, the priest will leave. The day will come when I will be replaced, just like all who served in this parish before me. But if our faith depends solely on who the priest is, and not on the God whom we serve, then perhaps we must ask ourselves: Whom are we really worshipping?
I am not the center of faith. I am merely a servant. This Church is not about me—it is about Christ.
As the Parish Priest appointed by our Bishop, I will strive to remain faithful to my promise to proclaim the truth, even when that truth is not always accepted by everyone.
Brothers and sisters, it deeply pains me to hear that some have called me names such as “Ferdiemonio, Demontado, Damaso.”
It hurts to know that there are people who would use such words simply because of the history they are trying to defend.
Like you, I too am a sinner who relies on God’s mercy every day. But as a priest, I also have a heart. I have feelings. And every word spoken unjustly against another—especially when it is unfair—bears weight in the eyes of God.
Today, we commemorate the Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney, the Patron of Priests. He is a model of humility, prayer, and self-offering for his parish.
We also mark today as the Day of Priests, a reminder not only of the duties of priests, but of our collective calling to understand, pray for, and love those whom God has appointed to labor in His vineyard.
I am not perfect. I have many weaknesses. I am unworthy. But by God’s mercy and compassion, I do my best to respond to His call. And despite trials, I continue striving to be an instrument of His grace.
God did not create us to hurt one another. Our words should reflect the love of Christ. The way we speak about others—especially those who serve the Church—is a reflection of our hearts.
If we need to correct something in history, let us do so not out of pride or partisanship, but out of love for the truth. If something needs to be discussed, let us do it in the spirit of brotherhood, not slander.
Brothers and sisters, true devotion is not measured by the number of prayers we say, but by the beauty of our character.
If we are truly devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary—whether under the title of Purisima or Guadalupe—then let us speak as she would: with humility, with faith, with silence, and with complete trust in God.
I am not calling for sides. I am calling for peace, for the recognition of truth, and above all, a return to our true purpose: to worship God and to love one another.
In the end, it does not matter who came first or who stayed. What matters is who remained faithful—faithful to the faith, faithful to the truth, faithful to God.
And in the midst of all this, let us ask ourselves:
In all that we fight for, are we lifting up His name—or our own?
In the noise of debate, can we still hear the voice of God speaking to our hearts—or have we become too busy trying to win?
Brothers and sisters, if we are truly devoted, if we truly love, then we will choose to be instruments of peace rather than causes of division.
May unity, humility, and the truth that comes from God prevail in the heart of each one of us.
