LAST year, San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) commemorated its golden jubilee by conducting festivities and events such as the Heritage Walk and Alumni Homecoming. Today, SBCA upholds its Benedictine values and spirit as some of the offices in the College reopened its doors to the Bedan community. 

Fr. Gerardo De Villa, OSB began the blessing of offices by emphasizing the significance of having a place where people can gather to pray, worship, and listen to the Word. He shared that the Church is a witness on how the community accepted the sacraments including baptism, holy matrimony, and confirmation. “There, also, the community takes part during the year in the celebration of the events in our Lord’s life, death and resurrection, whilst drawing from this source of regeneration those graces of redemption which transform the lives of each one,” Fr. De Villa said. He ended his introduction by inspiring the members to leave a space in their home for God and making time for worship.

After a prayer, Fr. De Villa led the blessing of offices at the Center for Campus Ministry, Bedan Identity Mission Office, Office of the Chaplain, and St. Bede’s Chapel which used to be the clinic. The event was graced by the presence of Fr. Patrick Oldea, OSB and Dom Martin Aleman, OSB, together with the Head of Campus Ministry and Vice President for Administrative Offices, Fr. Anthony Mendoza. The College staff including Dr. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, Mr. Carlo Enrico Tinio, and employees from the campus ministry offices were also present during the event. 

As SBCA restores its offices in the College, Fr. De Villa reminded that the purpose of the blessing is to grant a private oratory or place in the school for spiritual offering and worship. Through this, he did not only bless the offices but he also prayed for everyone within the community, so that they may seek shelter and find a home in the Church.