Letran holds institutional mass to commence Colegio Week

Sophia Joshuaine Gonzales

To formally open this year's Colegio Week, the entire Letran community joined hand-in-hand in a Eucharistic Celebration at the St. Thomas Grounds today, Monday, November 25, 2024. 

Students from the elementary, junior high, senior high, and collegiate levels, together with the faculty and staff attended the mass led by Rev. Fr. Raymund Jose, O.P., President and Rector, joined by the band of Dominican Friars of the school.

This mass aims to ask for God's intercession for the success of this week's festivities and events and also to serve as the institutional celebration of the Feast Day of Alumnus Saint, St. Vicente Liem De La Paz. 

Father Jose emphasized in his homily St. Liem de La Paz's identity as a fellow Letranite that whilst facing death straight up, he still chose God even if it meant losing his life. 

According to him, St. Liem is the true manifestation of Letran's ideals; everything we do is all for Deus, Patria, Letran— as God must always be our first choice. 

“We choose our faith in Jesus; showing his courage for God and his faith. We should fight and stand for our faith. And stand with God,” Fr. Rector said.

Furthermore, he encouraged everyone to take up this year' s Colegio Week theme: "A Journey to Opportunity for Sustainability and Empowerment" and embody sustainable practices, not only for us and our community, but also for the next generation.

"To have a sustainable community, we must be empowered and responsible citizens. Show the true 'Tatak Letranista',” Rev. Fr. Jose added as he ended his homily. 

In an interview with Mr. Charlie Bautista, one of the Christian Living Education teachers from senior high school, on celebrating this Holy Mass as our identity as Letranites, said that ever since, dedicating everything to God has become our name.

"Since the Eucharist is the summit of Christian life and this is the well-spring of faithful life, celebrating the Holy Mass is a tradition that nourishes, cultivates, and sustains for her 404 years since her early beginning," Mr. Bautista stated.

The holy mass marks the beginning of the week-long celebration of the 404th anniversary of the Colegio, which is celebrated this year from November 25 to 29.