In a week filled with exciting activities and celebrations, the students of St. Thomas of Villanova Institute (STVI) honored Saint Thomas of Villanova, the Patron Saint of Studies of the Augustinian Order.
Commencing on Monday, October 9, 2023, the week-long event kicked off with a solemn mass in the St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel, led by Rev. Fr. Jose Francisco L. Teves, OSA. Following the Eucharistic celebration, an Opening Ceremony began, featuring a lively parade around the San Agustin Center of Studies (SACS) compound, spirited yells presentations, and a banner-raising competition among four teams.
The day concluded with student-seminarians showcasing their energy and enthusiasm in friendly basketball and volleyball matches.
The second day of the celebration continued with a conference titled “Saint Thomas of Villanova: A Hagiographical Conference” focusing on the life and works of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Reverend Father Ric Anthony A. Reyes, OSA, led the conference, which college seminarians attended.
In the afternoon, seminarians participated in a team-building activity themed, “Servant Leaders Driven by Augustinian Spirit,” facilitated by Fray Mhelcar C. Anierdes, OSA.
Later in the day, students, along with Rev. Fr. Dante O. Juloc, OSA, the Institute’s Director, Augustinian friars, faculty members, staff, SACS personnel, and other esteemed guests, gathered for the Holy Mass in honor of Saint Thomas of Villanova. The mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, the Prior Provincial-Elect of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines. Following the Eucharistic celebration, a simple agape was shared by all.
On October 11, 2023, the students attended a seminar entitled “Scholarly Research and Writing Seminar,” led by the institute’s research coordinator, Dr. Ranilo B. Hermida. The seminar emphasized the importance of academic integrity in research papers and scholarly works.
Then, on October 12, 2023, the students embarked on an educational tour to the Museo ni Rizal, St. John the Baptist Church in Calamba, Laguna, and Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish in Biñan, Laguna. The tour was designed to deepen their understanding of Jose Rizal’s life and works, as well as to appreciate the artistic design and architectural structures of the churches. They were accompanied by their Filipino and Humanities professors, Ms. Riza G. Babaran and Dr. Ligaya S. de Guzman, respectively.
The Feast Week 2023 came to a grand conclusion on October 13, 2023. The Institute Director, Rev. Fr. Dante O. Juloc, OSA, presided over the closing ceremony, which featured championship games and an award ceremony to commemorate this joyous celebration. (From FB Page of STVI)
Visit the Institute’s Facebook Page to view more pictures: CLICK HERE.
