The Inauguration Mass for the New Academic Year 2012/13.
I participated at the Inauguration Mass for the new academic year at the Loyola School of Theology (LST), Ateneo de Manila Campus. The Mass was dedicated to the Holy Spirit. I was very inspired with the homily given by the presider Fr. Genaro Diwa who is also my professor for the subject Christian Worship. The message I receive from his homily is that the Holy Spirit is the agent of change. Just yesterday I commented on my Facebook wall about the changes and sacrifices I have to make now due to the many readings I have in this semester. The many readings are just a small exaggeration but I do have to change and make sacrifices in order to take advantage of the education here and the second opportunity given to me in this journey towards the Priesthood.
The homily based on the theme of the day where we reflected through the readings of the Pentecost, St. Paul's reflection on the different gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Gospel was Mary's Annunciation, was a reminder to me on how much i need the Holy Spirit to guard and guide me in my formation here.
This event too, saw the professors and the students make their 'Oath of Commitment'. I am indeed touched by the words in my oath as a student; "We, students, commit ourselves in our search for truth and in our studies, in order to serve with competence and courage as witnesses today in the Church and in the world". This oath clearly shows that LST is an Ecclesiastical Institution and we cannot do all the above without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I conclude here with the prayer of the Holy Sprit.
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
