OPTIMISTIC SMILE. Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., as he leads the Mass of the Holy Spirit last June 27 at Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium.
As the Letran community warmly greeted the start of the academic year 2017-2018, the Mass of the Holy Spirit, led by Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., brought forth solemnity to the students and teachers who gathered and prayed for favor and strength, hoping to overcome the challenges that the new academic year will bring.
The program started with the processional of the mace, followed by the faculty, staff, and administrators. The flags of Basic Education Department, College of Business Administration and Accountancy, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering and Information Technology, Graduate School, Senior High School, the Colegio’s and the country’s flags then made its way up to the stage together with the entrance of colors.
HOMILY AND LESSONS
In his homily, Fr. Marquez shared and explained three idiomatic expressions that will serve as the lesson and guide to students and employees for the entire school year.
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; do not throw pearls before swines.”
Fr. Marquez said that we should acknowledge all the things that have value, give them the importance that they deserve, especially inside the institution.
“Sa taong ito ilulunsad natin ang bagong Mission-Vision statement at kung susumahin hangad natin na maging reputable school of quality education,” he said. “Ibig sabihin, pahalagahan natin ang anumang magbibigay at madadagdag-halaga sa atin - sa ating pagtuturo at pag-aaral, sa pananaliksik, sa paglilingkod sa sambayanan, sa pangangalaga sa bawat mag-aaral, guro, empleyado, sa pag sasaayos, pagpapatayo, pag-iingat sa mga gusali, gamit at paligid natin, at sa pag-angat ng antas ng ating ginagawa at ginagampanan.”
Rev. Fr. Marquez added that we should consider the endless worth of things that could contribute to the Letran community. “Gawin natin ang mahalaga para sa Letran, hindi itatapon sa aso at hindi ihahagis sa baboy,” he said.
“The Golden Rule: Do unto others what you want them to do unto you.”
Fr. Marquez highlighted that we should do what is just and do what is right. “Gawin ang dapat, gawin ang tama. Huwag gagawa ng masama, mandaraya, magnanakaw, at magsisinungaling,” said the rector, noting the principles of all Christians and a true Letranite.
“How narrow is the gate and how hard is the way.”
Rev. Fr. Marquez admitted that being a Christian and a Letranite hasn’t been easy for years but he believes, up to this day, we can still handle such hurdles.
“Tumagal na tayo ng halos 400 na taon. Nasa atin ang kagitingan at kakisigan ng pagiging Knight,” he said. “Sumusunod tayo sa yapak ng mga bayani at banal na Letranista. Haharapin natin ang hirap at hamon, kakayanin natin at pagtatagumpayan.”
“Sa taong ito nawa ang Espiritung Arriba ay maging kaisa at isa sa Espiritu Santo. Siya ang ating pinagmulan at patutunguhan, ang iiral, ang kasa-kasama, ang biyaya at buhay natin,” Rev. Fr. Marquez said as he ended his homily.
LAUNCHING OF NEW MISSION & VISION
Part of the celebration was the launching of the new Mission and Vision statement, held at Student Center Auditorium.
Beginning his third year as Letran Manila rector and president, Rev. Fr. Marquez still was happy to formally release the new Letran mission and vision.
There he said that happiness is constituted with many things that made him sing the chorus part of Pharell Williams popular song “Happy”.
“Happiness. This serves as a fitting measure of the road to the Universidad. For every desired outcome, result areas, a performance indicator, we may well ask, are we happy?” he questioned.
Rev. Fr. Marquez, looking at the previous mission and vision of the Colegio, is not fully satisfied claiming that they did not accomplish it yet, but he remains optimistic with the new set of a strategic plan for the years 2018 to 2022 effectively.
“While my happiness is partial, my love remains full and unflinching. Mahal ko ang Letran, rector man ako o hindi,” he claimed. “So, this is the fire in my belly, the hearth in my heart. Ang apoy ay nag-aalab sa aking puso, as we roll out the new mission-vision statement.”
The rector then challenged and urged the Letran community to “Love Letran, seek their happiness.” The Mass of the Holy Spirit was held last and the new Mission and Vision statements of the Colegio was launched at the SC Auditorium.