CELEBRATING SPC’S 320 YEARS: SPURRING UNITY, JOY AND CAMARADERIE

The first Paulinian Congress was held last November 6 at St. Paul University Quezon city, having ‘Reclaim your roots: live the world and be light of the world’ as its theme for the 320 years of the life and mission of the SPC Congregation.

In celebration of this glorious event, delegates from the different universities of the St. Paul University System came together as one to reclaim their roots through prayer, reflection, and sharing of Paulinian spirituality, to deepen their love for the Eucharist and devotion to Our Blessed Mother, and to spur unity, joy, camaraderie and a sense of community among Paulinians all over the country in an atmosphere of prayer.

The Masters of Ceremonies for the commemoration of this occasion were Ms. Marisa O. Verona and Mr. Kevin Kristoffer M. Elon. With the opening liturgy as a cue for the event to commence through a video presentation, it was then followed by the opening message of Sr. Lilia Therèsé Tolentino, SPC.

The reclaiming of roots happened through the message of Sr. Flordeliza Crispina Deza, SPC. She talked about everyone’s ‘Querencia’, a place where one feels safe, a place from which one’s strength of character is drawn; a place where one feels at home. She also discussed that we all have our own Calvary – our own pains, our own hardships in life. All these were talked about so everyone could contemplate and reflect there own querencia, where there home is.

More than the spiritual talks and reclaiming of roots, the performances by the different SPUP universities were much awaited for. The SPC Origins by the SPCM, the SPC Sisters who presented a ‘Christ is my life’ number, an animation prayer dance by SPCB and other intermission numbers which serves as praise and worship for our Almighty Father through songs and dances that everyone in the auditorium take part in.

Every talks that were delivered did not only informed and enlightened the crowd but also gave them a chance to pursue intimacy with God spiritually with the reflection questions they initiated for everyone to think about. The personal reflections and personal prayers also became a light at the end of the tunnel for others as they look back to their current standing in life and if that current location truly makes them happy, words of encouragement were given by the speakers to everyone present in the congress that it is with God that you will be able to enjoy the life He has given you.

It was also with the testimony given by the Padriano family who talked about the Paulinians family life that inspired the entirety with their message including an audio visual presentation of what they usually do as a family life – a glimpse of a loving family with Christ at the center of their lives.

One of the highlights of the congress was the candlelight performance in participation of the audiences, with Magnificat in steps. As the Paulinian performers danced their hearts out, everyone in the auditorium waved their candles – such a sight, too beautiful to put into words.

The first Paulinian congress, then, ended with a Eucharistic celebration led by His Excellency Sofronio, Bancud, SSS, D.D., a time to go in peace to love and serve the Lord, like what the SPC Congregation has uplifted for 320 years and counting.