2010 Thanks Giving Baccalaureate Mass

Information from: Xinrex Clemente WRITTEN BY: MARGARET MACATOL

arlier this March 26th of 2010, about thousands of Xavier promising graduates

Universitys

marched down the aisle to join this seemingly spectacular and once in a life time event in their lives. But wait a minute! Hold on just a second there. Its not yet the actual commencement ceremony. It was only the beginning. The majestic sight of innumerable potential leaders from every college lining down the lanes and hallways of the University upon the early wee hours of Friday morning marked only the first part of the rare ceremonial event which was none other than the Thanks Giving Baccalaureate Mass. The mass was held at Xavier Universitys very own College Gymnasium. In addition, the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro City, Most Reverend Antonio

Javellana Ledesma, SJ, D.D. was also more than delighted to attend the ceremony as the main celebrant and homilist of the mass. Zillions gathered and stood up with great honor and pride for the blessing of their hoods by Archbishop Ledesma, along with Xavier Universitys very own President - Father Jose Ramon Jet T. Villarin. Following the consecration were the graduates petition and promises. Afterwards the offertory was presented to the altar, the final blessing was given upon the closing of the mass.

Followed after by the mass, which was still in part of the royal ceremony, was the University Convocation. Dr. Agaton T. Panopio, Jr. from the School of Medicine headed out as the Master of Ceremonies; Fr. Gorgonio S. Esguerra, S.J., Xavier Universitys Mission and Ministry Vice-President, for the Welcome Remarks; Nico C. Calunia from the School of Education for the Valedictory Address; Fr. Ramon Ma Bernabe OMI, the Provincial Superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, for the Conferring of University Awards response; Atty. Antoinette Royo-Fay, Xavier Universitys Research and Social Outreach Vice-President, for the introduction of the guest speaker; Mr. Illac Angelo A. Diaz, the Executive Director of My Shelter Foundation Incorporation, for the Address to the Graduates; and last but not the least, Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, S.J., our dearly beloved President of Xavier University, for the Closing Remarks. Perhaps one of the most memorable words of wisdom from the event was spoken by no other than Fr. Bernabe himself stating, In school, you are taught lessons to take tests. In life you are given tests for you to get lessons.