by Isabella Magno

“Your class has been tested in ways few others have been. You have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and patience, both skills that will serve you well as you prepare for college life.”

To commemorate the graces and gifts received by the Class of 2022 despite the hardships faced in online learning and to rekindle hope in their hearts as they embark on a new chapter in their lives, the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) held its Baccalaureate mass at the Church of Gesu on Thursday, June 2. 

With the theme Paglaum, a Waray term for hope, the mass was presided over by Fr Roberto C. Yap SJ, the university president, along with other Jesuit priests of the school, with Ma’am Carol Laforteza serving as the commentator.

Furthermore, the Prayers of the Faithful (Lord, hear our prayer) included prayers for the youth, peace, families, ASHS Grade 12 students, the ASHS community, the ill, victims of injustice, the poor, the neglected in society, all those in need, and those who had passed away.

Meanwhile, the blessing of the graduates was initiated by Fr. Braulio M. Dahunan SJ. 

Following that, the community started offering flowers to Mary as the song to Our Lady was sung, as a symbol of thanks and devotion to the Virgin Mary and her patron, St. Luigi Gonzaga.

In the said celebration, one of the homily quotes highlighted, “It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? […] So we let our own light shine.”

This message was further highlighted in the speech of ASHS Principal Noel P. Miranda in which he iterated, “The film [Encanto], through its character and events, asks one central question: What does it mean to be gifted or graced. The greatest source of God’s grace is really who we are and the people the Lord has sent to help us, protect us, encourage us, listen to us, teach us and challenge us. […] Thank them by expressing your sincerest gratitude. But more importantly, thank them by living out truly grace-filled gifted lives. […]  In short,  living out the 5Cs.”

Principal Miranda also took this chance to acknowledge all who helped in making this event a reality. 

The principal credits the following names:

• Commentator: Carol Laforteza
• Introduction: Denyz Virj Del Villar
• First Reader: Niccolo Von Agujo
• Psalmist: Chris Lacdao 
• Prayers of the Faithful: Joseph Emmanuel Lopez
• Leader of the Prayer to St. Luigi Gonzaga: Miguel Lorenzo Baquiran
• Parent offerers: Gigi Alonte, Abby Bernardo, Lany Alabastro, Toochie Bandal
• Floral offering: Deanne Gabriel Algenio and Julian Marcos Rafael Antonio
• Choir led by Bro. Jay Padua 
  • Students: Angelo Cabrera, Julio Nakpil, Joseph Saludes, Maria Sacamos, Ryan Ricafort, Raphael Malilin, River Gracia, Peter Cruz, Cara Ventura, Miguel Valencia
  • Faculty:  Ms. Alaba, Ms. Borja,  Mr. Torente, Ma’am Lagunzad
• Mass Servers: Patrick De Villa, Jacqui Andrieux, Jose Angelo Gabriel, Jose Andres Miguel Bautista, Juan Xanti Liboro, Diego Antonio Yap
• Ushers and ministers: Ms. Adan, Ms. Dela Laba, Ms. De Guia, Mr. Adalem, Mr. Loiz, Mr. Macaranas, Mr. Pavia
• Flower Arrangement: Barth Mariquit
• Message after blessing: Ayshea Jian Delos Santos
• PubMats: Nathaniel Dagdag 
• Streaming: Jesuit Communications and Radio Katipunan, especially Ms. Tamana and Mr. Pontino
• Documentation: ITC Staff of ASHS
• Logistics: ASHS CMO Team
• Campus Ministry Office, Paul Daza, University Marketing and Communications Office
• Reverend Fr Marlon Fabros SJ, Fr. Norberto Bautista (University chaplain), Fr. Caesar Marin (Grade School Chaplain), Fr. Bong Dacunan (Chaplain and head of Campus Ministry Office)

Finally, the ASHS Principal concluded his speech by further encouraging the students, “Bumaba tayo sa bundok o burol ng Ateneo dala-dala ang mga alaalang natagpuan ninyo, si Kristo at ang inyong sarili dito sa ating munting paaralan. Batch 2022, padayon at laging magmahal.”

Photo by Alexandria Buenaventura and Glenna Rodriguez