September 16, 2019. St. Peregrine Laziosi Diocesan Shrine/ Jasper Christian Gambito. On September 15, 2019, the Order of the Servants of Mary celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows – the Titular and Principal Patroness of the said order. The celebration was presided by Rev. Fr. Deogracias Ma. Alejandria, OSM, Vicar-Provincial of the St. Peregrine Philippine Vicariate, along with his OSM brother-priests. Prior to this, a Via Matris or the Way of the Mother was held a night before the feast day, led by Rev. Fr. Nady Ma. Meren, OSM and was attended by the members of the Servite community.

In his homily, Fr. Alejandria told the congregation that the reason for the Order’s habit is black is because they share the sorrows of Mary and that it reminds them to be hopeful and humble. He mentioned that humility, being a hallmark of a believer, must be practiced by all Christians for it is a virtue which brings us closer to God. The challenge, he says, is how to remain humble despite all of our achievements in life. He added that we should always follow the footsteps of Mary in her humility, trust, and obedience to the plan of the Lord.