On 5 August 2024, the Louisian community celebrated the 62nd birthday of University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, through a curation of meaningful events that highlighted the timelessness of Fr. Gilbert’s telling service both to God and His people.
After Monday morning rites, a Eucharistic Celebration was held at the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish followed by the blessing of the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) Medical Arts Parking Building and Doctors’ Clinics.
The SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Performing Arts Groups then took to the stage a special commemorative performance titled “Timeless” at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM CCA Theater, right before the luncheon held at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall.
Commemorating a life of service through a Thanksgiving Mass
Along with CICM co-celebrants, Fr. Gilbert led the communal gathering at the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish that further fostered fellowship and faith within the university community.
The solemn liturgy, enriched by the presence of the CICM priests as well as the SLU administration and management, highlighted SLU’s deep commitment to spiritual and communal values, ensuring that the time of worship was reflective and meaningful.
Fr. Gilbert, in his homily, underscored compassion and faith, and noted that all things are possible “when we trust in God.”
Blessing of the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU SHMC) Medical Arts Building Park Building and Doctors’ Clinics
To officially open the SLU SHMC Medical Arts Parking Building and Doctors’ Clinics, a ribbon-cutting ceremony commenced which was graced by Fr. Gilbert; Dr. Paul Adlai B. Quitiquit, SLU SHMC Hospital Administrator; Dr. Danilo J. Flores Jr., SLU-SHMC Medical Director; Engr. Mark Lacambra of MJLAC Construction and Aggregates; Ar. Robert Calpotura; and SLU administrators and staff.
The ribbon-cutting was followed by the blessing ceremony led by Fr. Emery A. Mwako, CICM, SLU Vice President for Mission and Identity; and Fr. Emmanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM.
The SLU SHMC Medical Arts Parking Building is a symbol of God’s loving care and the community’s life together as the family of Christ. The blessing is a reminder of His work as the wise Master Builder.
Also joining the blessing ceremony were Mr. Anthony De Leon, General Manager, Baguio Country Club; Atty. Mario Ignacio V. Quadra, President, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Dr. Dominga A Gadgad, Regional Vice President, PhilHealth Insurance Co.; Dr. Harry C. Haya, Medical Center Chief II, Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center; Dr. Dionisio Claridad III, Medical Director, Baguio Medical Center; and Sr. Marvelyn M Aquino, SPC, Hospital Administrator, Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital; former Mayor Mauricio Domogan; and officials from Saint Louis College, San Fernando, La Union.
Fr. Gilbert expressed his gratitude to everyone for their patience and hard work. “Our work continues here,” he said, “let us pray that at the end of this year the whole building will be finished.”
Timeless: 62 Years of Life, Wisdom, and Grace
The celebration of Fr. Gilbert’s 62nd birthday continued on the stage of the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM CCA Theater with the SLU CCA Performing Arts Groups’ memorable performance of “Timeless: 62 Years of Life, Wisdom, and Grace.”
The repertoire included iconic show tunes and musical numbers of famous Broadway plays like “Masquerade” and “All I Ask of You”, and “Phantom of the Opera” from The Phantom of the Opera; “Helpless” from Hamilton; “Defying Gravity” from Wicked; “Mamma Mia” from Mamma Mia; “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin; and “Circle of Life” from The Lion King.
As the encore, the CCA performers invited Fr. Gilbert on stage led the audience to sing a heartfelt rendition of the birthday song.
Indeed, the circle of life moves us all. Just like the timeless song, “Circle of Life”, the presence of Fr. Gilbert enriches lives and adds to the beautiful rhythm of the community’s shared experiences.
The day’s celebration and tribute ended with a luncheon at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall. With a grateful heart, Fr. Gilbert acknowledged everyone who joined him in his special day and expressed how delightfully overwhelmed he was with the preparations of the Administration for the day’s festivities.
