In the Middle Ages, when the first universities were chartered, the human being was defined as an “animal gifted with reason”, based on the ancient philosopher Aristotle. Perhaps, an alternative definition could have been “animal conscious of its indefinite longing”. Indeed, human beings are always wishing something, waiting for something.

This is particularly the case before a special event, why not before the start of a new school year. Students are expecting to learn new things, to face and overcome new challenges, to meet new friends, to enjoy new moments of getting together. Faculty members are looking out for their load, and hope for a “practical” schedule, as well as for a cooperative relation with their respective classes. While the university had a special occasion to look out for in the past years, the school year 2013-2014 is set to bring us back to basics: there is no SLU Centennial, nor CICM Sesquicentennial to open or to close this year! Instead, the university community is set to focus on the coming K-12 reforms, and their impact on the offer of courses, which has necessitated the construction of new buildings, especially in Navy Base campus. I hope and wish that all Louisians – students, teachers and other employees – will realize that each has a unique role to play in making our university a place of true Christian living, where creativity is being rewarded and used to form competent people who can duly serve their communities, in a spirit of inclusion. May all have a good start, under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit!

Rev. Father Jessie M. Hechanova, CICM
President

Envisioning the Future of SLU as a Catholic University
(Commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of the University Charter of SLU)

Fr Jessie M HECHANOVA, CICM
President

On 12 May 1963 SLU became a university, making it the first private university in Northern Luzon.

The enduring role of Catholic universities in the world has to do with effectively and creatively passing on wisdom to the young and making the truth of Christianity alive in the lives of people through a genuine education that leads to social transformation.  As my confrere and esteemed predecessor Fr Gerard Linssen beautifully said on the occasion of his installation as the first SLU president: “I pray that Saint Louis University as an institute of wisdom may contribute to the building of a new world.”

My dear Louisians, as we observe this 2013 the 50^th year of the university status of SLU, let us humbly thank the Lord for all the blessings He bestowed upon our beloved university. And let us move forward towards the future with a renewed sense of who we are as committed Christians and with a more profound understanding of our invitation to become CICM mission partners.

I envision too that with a revitalized Christian spirit to inspire all of us, we can carry out our CICM mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ especially to the abandoned and marginalized individuals in our midst.  We don’t have to look far; all of us are called to be “good news,” that is, sources of inspiration, to one another:  to our families, our neighbors, officemates, and students!  Finally, if we are able to do this, then we have a decent answer to the pressing question: How Catholic still is SLU today?

Mabuhay ang SLU!