Paulinians gather for Holy Spirit Mass, witness Turnover Ceremony in PCCH
By: Anne Gabrielle V. Mangali | The Paulinian | September 4, 2022
Students, alumni, employees, and Sisters of St. Paul University Manila gathered on September 2, 2022, for the Holy Spirit Mass in the Chapel of the Crucified Christ and the Turnover Ceremony in the Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage (PCCH). The Eucharistic Celebration was one of the first on-site Masses joined by students this school year, but it was also streamed virtually via Zoom for non-physical attendees.
During the Mass preceding the turnover ceremony, the presider, Fr. Jonathan Bitoy, CMF, welcomed the students and wished them well for the entire school year.
“And so, brothers and sisters, fellow Paulinians, welcome to the school year 2022. May it be a wonderful experience of growth, not only in the mind, but also of the heart,” he said as he ended his homily.
After the Eucharistic Celebration, attendees proceeded to the PCCH for the Turnover Ceremony. It started with welcome remarks by the PCCH Director, Sr. Flordeliza Deza, SPC, and an opening prayer in the form of a song rendered by Icon Fernandez and the Music Ministry.
This was followed by a message from Ms. Marionette Ocampo-Martinez, who described the event as an example of serendipity.
“This occasion, to me, is a beautiful example of serendipity. What is serendipity? It is the occurrence of events happening by chance and leading to a happy and beneficial outcome.”
Donors, Atty. Melinda Zuñiga and Dr. Angeline Zuñiga-Cosca, delivered their messages as they handed over their donation to the PCCH — yearbooks of 1932–33 and 1933–34 belonging to their mom, Crispina Guevara-Alejo.
The ceremony ended with the University President, Sr. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC thanking the guests for the valuable memorabilia donated to the PCCH and the Paulinians for attending the event.
“I see this significant event as an integral part of the celebration of the 110th founding anniversary of St. Paul University Manila… We want to pay special honor and gratitude to Atty. Melinda Zuñiga and Dr. Angeline Zuñiga-Cosca for having decided to give these memorabilia to St. Paul University Manila. I’d say that it’s really miraculous that the materials that you have turned over today have been there years before…these yearbooks have withstood the ravages of the war for four years until the war was over in 1945, and have continued to survive all the multiple storms, super typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and other natural and manmade calamities that battered the country through the years,” Sr. Evangeline said.
We are, in fact, reminded of two things: first, they tell us of the reality of the Paschal mystery that St. Paul Manila has gone through the years — all the struggles, the pains, the downfalls, and deaths, as well as the joys, successes, the achievements, and celebrations that this institution has gone through. Second, these yearbooks epitomize the tremendous love that God has for St. Paul University Manila, which started with very humble beginnings 110 years ago and has continued to thrive to carry out the mission to serve the Filipino youth, and now even other learners from all parts of the globe. Truly, this is a testimony of God’s Kairos, goodness overflowing,” she added.
The program ended with the singing of the Paulinian Mission Song led by the Music Ministry.
