In honor of the 52nd Founding Anniversary of the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish at Saint Louis University (SLU), a day of feast took place on 21 June 2024, featuring a Eucharistic Mass, program and a communal luncheon. The event gathered University officials, students, faculty, and staff, led by University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, and the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) missionaries and clergy.
The festivities began with a solemn Mass presided over by Provincial Superior of CICM, Very Rev. Fr. Hirohito M. Bolo, Jr.,CICM. The liturgy focused on the Gospel’s call to serve those in need, a theme expounded in the homily. Very Rev. Fr. Bolo highlighted Saint Aloysius Gonzaga’s exemplary life of compassion and dedication to marginalized communities, urging the congregation to embody similar virtues. “If we can’t emanate the deed of Saint Aloysius, we can develop compassion for our brothers and sisters,” Very Rev. Fr. Bolo remarked.
During the Mass, the University’s Parish Priest and Vice President for Mission and Identity, Rev. Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM, formally commissioned various parish ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, choir members, collectors, and the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils. This commissioning underscored the parish ministries’ commitment to fulfilling their pastoral responsibilities with dedication and reverence.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, attendees gathered at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium for a short program. Rev. Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM, officially welcomed the parish members and SLU employees, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the celebration to keep the spirit of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga alive in their hearts. Bro. Jonel Damilag, CICM, also delivered a special message reflecting on the parish’s journey, acknowledging the progress made despite numerous challenges.
The event concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude from Rev. Fr. Mwako, who thanked all who participated in commemorating the Feast Day of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga.
As it can be recalled, also in celebration of the 52nd Anniversary of Saint Aloysius Parish, SLU honored the life of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga through a show by the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) yesterday.
Health Fair 2.0, spearheaded by the SLU Health Services Unit (HSU) Medical Clinic, was also conducted last June 18-19 as part of the Parish’s Anniversary.
Article by: Mae Janica Palkit, (UIO Volunteer)
Photos by: CK Valeriano (UIO) and Emmanuel Gregorio (UIO Volunteer)
