LAST Jan. 14, the SBCA’s Tertiary Schools gathered for the 6th Novena Mass in preparation for the  Feast of Sto. Niño. Fr. Ephraem Ma. Molina, OSB, presided over the celebration, followed by a procession and Eucharistic Adoration. 

The Novena Mass was sponsored by SBCA’s tertiary departments. Students and faculty from the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, the School of Business, Accountancy, and Management, the School of Engineering and Technology, and the School of Law attended the celebration.

A petition followed before the mass formally began, with the mass commencing with students’ reverence and respect led by Fr. Molina.

With the gospel about Mark 1:29-39, it recounts Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum, where he healed many of their ails, demonstrating both his divine authority and dedication to serving others.

In his homily, Fr. Molina reflected on Christ’s call to service, saying, “He wants us also to be faithful to our calling, to share his spirit with others, and make time out for prayer and repentance.”

“Dear friends, by baptism we too, in a special way, are called to be prophets. That is, to be bearers of God's own message through our words and actions. How can people come to know Christ  and the gospel if not through us, those men?” Fr. Molina ended his homily with these words of encouragement.

After the mass, a candlelit procession led by Fr. Molina and the missionaries of the Order of St. Benedict commenced with students holding candles in quiet prayer. The procession ended at 6:00 with the return to the chapel.

This was followed by the Eucharistic Adoration, where students offered prayers, reflected on the Scripture, and lifted their petitions. The readings highlighted the need to open one's eyes and heed the Lord's call to stewardship and service of others.

The celebration ended with students’ excitement palpable in the air as the Feast of Sto. Niño begins the next day.