Saint Louis University (SLU) welcomed back newly-ordained Louisian priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Mico P. Pabustan, CICM, for a Thanksgiving Mass at the SLU Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish on 22 November 2024.
After graduating from SLU with a degree in Philosophy, Fr. Pabustan, fondly called Fr. Mico, returned to his alma mater to preside over a mass, marking it the second mass he held since his ordination.
In his homily, Fr. Mico shared his journey as a Louisian and how the institution became instrumental in developing his religious missionary vocation. Having dreamt of being a priest for a long time, being called to serve as one of the volunteers in the Parish became a stepping stone in finding his true passion. “It is because of my experiences here in SLU and in the Parish that I discovered the sacred within me and the sacred in other people,” he said.
The Mass also honored the martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, the patroness of musicians. In relation to this, Fr. Pabustan encouraged the congregation to share the beauty of sacredness within them to others. He highlighted Saint Cecilia as a real inspiration as her martyrdom was not able to stop her from proclaiming the good news of God to others.
The Mass concluded with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, followed by Fr. Mico’s words of encouragement to SLU students to pursue their genuine passion. After the Thanksgiving Mass, a celebratory luncheon was held at Fr. Francis Gevers Hall. Special people in Fr. Mico’s life then shared their heartfelt messages and congratulations to the new Louisian priest. .
Carrying Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary-Saint Louis University’s (CICM-SLU) virtue and honor, Fr. Mico was ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters on 26 October 2024, at the Mater Dolora Parish in Capas, Tarlac. The Most Reverend Prudencio P. Andaya, Jr., DD, CICM, the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, solemnly conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders through the laying on of hands.
Through the Thanksgiving Mass presided by and honoring Fr. Mico, SLU continues to uphold the CICM Advocacy in Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). (Article by Keziah Vestidas, UIO Intern | Photos by Arnmari Dela Cruz, UIO Intern).
