Saint Louis University has joyfully illuminated the Louisian Brand of Excellence marked by excellence that is accompanied by missionary spirit (Missio et Excellentia) during its 113th Foundation Anniversary on 28 November 2024 at the Main Campus university grounds.
Fostered by the theme “Missio et Excellentia: Championing Sustainability, Promoting Inclusive Education, Pioneering Innovation,” the celebration resonates throughout the community, uniting students, faculty, alumni, and friends in a shared dedication to quality and service. This sentiment is beautifully highlighted by the SLU Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Fr. Paul Van Parijs Event Center.
The ceremonial lighting was led by SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD. It marked the essence of excellence in the light of “Missio et Excellentia,” the bisection of SLU’s holy grail that remains steadfast within the Louisian community and in the University’s mission and values.
The 2024 SLU Christmas Tree: igniting faith, hope, and love
This year’s SLU Christmas Tree design was spearheaded by the SLU Administration in collaboration with MJLAC Construction and Aggregates. It was inspired by the concept of a “Green Christmas Tree,” which embraces an environmentally-friendly approach to holiday traditions.
The towering Christmas Tree, with its four radiant layers and intricate design, stood as a powerful symbol of the season’s meaning. At the very top, the star that shone brightly was illuminated by the first switch, representing the Star of Bethlehem, the guiding light that led the wise men to the newborn Christ.
The second switch that outlined the star created a frame that symbolized the unity of humanity through the interconnected edges, reflecting how people come together during the holidays.
The third switch, which illuminated the tree’s interior, brought the true spirit of the season to life through colorful lights representing the diverse blessings of life—family, health, and friendship.
The green lights spiraling around each layer, activated by the fourth switch, symbolized growth and renewal. The evergreen nature of the tree reflected eternal life, while the green lights served as a promise of new beginnings and the endurance of love, even in challenging times. Finally, the flowers and leaves encircling the base of the tree, brought to life by the fifth switch, represented the beauty of creation and the joy of giving.
As the tree stood fully lit, its layers intertwined into one harmonious display, it told the ultimate story of Christmas: a season of faith, hope, and the enduring light of love that connects everyone.
Along with the breathtaking fireworks display, the radiant tree symbolizes SLU’s dedication to excellence, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious choices. Its innovative design enhances the season by honoring nature while celebrating festive traditions and togetherness.
Celebrating 113 Years as a CICM-Louisian Community
In thanks for 113 fulfilling years as one Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary or CICM community, SLU opened the Foundation Anniversary Celebration with a Eucharistic Mass at the Fr. Parijs Event Center, revitalizing the festivities for the day ahead. The celebration also marked the 162nd Anniversary of the Congregation.
His Excellency, Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio, presided the mass, and in his homily, he addressed the students, emphasizing their potential to use their education in uplifting the community. He said that the Louisians’ potential and direction lie in the fourth group of people – those who have studied and who use education for the good of society.
Bishop Cruz left a meaningful message by encouraging everyone to be proud of their identity as members of the Louisian community and to use it for the good of the church, religion, and the society. Afterward, Rev. Fr. Sales expressed his gratitude to Bishop Cruz, the CICM fathers, and the Louisian family for joining the meaningful celebration of the University.
The week-long celebration featured a festive array of events that embrace the season of gratitude and reflection.
Blessing of SHMC, Libraries, and Administrative Center
In a spirit of celebration, SLU marked the completion of renovations at the Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC), Msgr. Charles Vath University Library Building, and Fr. Jose Burgos Administrative Center. The event was led by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, University President, along with Rev. Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity, and Rev. Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM, all of whom conducted the ceremonial blessing and ribbon-cutting. They were joined by facility directors, CICM priests, seminarians, officials, and administrative staff.
The newly constructed conference halls at the Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) are dedicated to the legacy of past medical directors who made significant contributions through their dedicated service. The conference halls were named in honor of the late Dr. Honorata Yabut, former Dean of the SLU College of Medicine; Dr. Roberto Legaspi, and Dr. Servando Liban, who all served as medical directors in 1988-1977, 1977-2009, 2010-2013, respectively.
The inclusion of these conference halls affirms the SHMC’s continued dedication to adapting to the requirements of future skills needed to cultivate the next generation of Louisians in their pursuit of excellence and innovation.
The blessing ceremony continued on to the newly renovated and furnished 4th Floor of the University Libraries at the Msgr. Charles Vath Library Building, which then concluded at the Fr. Jose Burgos Administrative Center.
“Thank you for being with us and joining us in this full blessing… So many facilities that we are blessed with today. I think this is a record blessing day,” Fr. Sales stated. “Let me take this opportunity, of course, to thank the board of trustees for approving all the projects that we have done,” he remarked, followed by his gratitude to everyone else who took part in said projects.
Meanwhile, the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) conducted an Open House for their laboratories and equipment at the R100, Dr. Konrad Adenauer Science Center and Dr. Jose Rizal Building, making them available for viewing from 28 November (Thursday) to 29 November (Friday).
The Open House featured the SLU Tuklas Lunas and Molecular Biology Research Laboratories, Xray, Clinical, Pharmacy, and Nursing Simulations Laboratories, and Fr. Gerard Braeckman, CICM, Museum of Natural History. In line with pioneering excellence and quality education, his exhibition aims to welcome Louisians to the labs and facilities and spark their interest.
Also, a community dance was held at the Campus Grounds of SLU Main Campus, orchestrated by the Program for Cordillera Traditional Music and Dances (PCTMD) of SLU Museum of Igorot Cultures and Arts. Louisians flocked to the grounds to witness the performance showcasing the traditional dances of different cultures like the Balliwes dance of Abra, Boogie dance of Bontoc, Tupayya of Kalinga, and others.
The community dance was performed to fortify the advocacy of PCTMD in strengthening and enriching the traditional arts, heritage, and culture of the lowland regions in the Philippines.
“Seed in the Furrows”: A Tribute to the CICM
The Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) gave a moving performance titled “Seed in the Furrows” at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen CCA Theater, honoring the mission of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM). Among those who witnessed the spectacle were the CICM Fathers and SLU President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales.
The play focused on Bishop Ferdinand Hamer, a CICM martyr, honoring his legacy during a time of religious persecution. It began with a powerful depiction of the intense animosity towards Christians by a secret sect in northern China known as “the United Fists for Peace and Justice,” referred to by Europeans as the “Boxers.” The narrative also illustrated the expulsion of missionaries and the surrender of Christian symbols.
The plot depicted the perilous environment faced by those who assisted Christian foreigners, with harsh decrees branding anyone who helped them as traitors. Despite these threats, Bishop Hamer remained steadfast in his faith, courageously spreading the teachings of Jesus. Amid betrayals, threats, and relentless persecution by the Boxers, he continued to show compassion and love to the vulnerable. While instructing fellow missionaries to prioritize their safety, he chose to stay with the Christian community at the main mission.
The show concluded with a narration of Bishop Hamer’s martyrdom for his faith, underscoring his profound commitment to his mission. As the curtains fell amidst cheers and applause, the audience felt a renewed dedication to the CICM mission, inspired by Bishop Hamer’s unwavering spirit and sacrifice.
A luncheon then followed at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall at the Diego Silang Building, which was also marked by the giving of tokens to CICM priests.
Acoustic Concert featuring Louisian bands and multi-awarded OPM icon Noel Cabangon
The acoustic concert brought a sentimental yet energetic vibe to Fr. Parijs Event Center as Louisian bands and a Louisian Original Pilipino Music (OPM) pride serenaded the SLU community. The event featured performances by Aurora Rise, The 8 PM, The Vrands, Cryostat, Himalaya, No Curfew, Eliswa, The Grandiflora, and Noel Cabangon.
Aurora Rise opened the stage with their cover of Cup of Joe’s “Cinderella” and Tingin. The 8 PM then performed “Di Na Muli” and “Pasilyo.” The atmosphere continued as The Vrands performed “Buwan” and “Tadhana.” Cryostat performed “Umaaraw Umuulan,” “Your Song,” and “Toyang.” Himalaya then performed “Ligaya” and “Martyr,” followed by “No Curfew” that made the Lousian community jump to their feet with the song “Hallelujah.” The Grandiflora then ended the acoustic concert with their rendition of “Fallen,” “214,” and “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”
Thereafter, Noel Cabangon then graced the 113th Foundation Day of his alma mater by singing his rendition of “Harana” by Parokya ni Edgar, his nostalgic song “Kanlungan”, and his Ilocano song “Agyamanak”, among others. “It’s good to be back at SLU,” he quipped.
The Louisian Feels 9.0: Patungo, Pabalik (Sa’yo), a campus concert presented by SLU-KASAMA SSC
Capping off up the day’s celebration, the much-awaited Campus Concert commenced after the Christmas Lighting Ceremony that filled the Fr. Parijs Event Center with a hollering crowd. The concert brought together a dynamic set of musicians namely: The Ridleys, Autotelic, Figvres, and Auri and the Conscious Cats, that brought the Louisians to entirely new and fresh musical experiences.
First on stage was the riveting Auri and the Conscious Cats, followed by Figvres, who continuously ignited the crowd’s energy. Autotelic then performed an outstanding set that captured hearts. The TLF 9.0 concluded with The Ridleys on stage, fulfilling the Louisian’s yearly campus concert experience.
In celebration of the University’s 113-year legacy, the Louisian community was filled with a renewed sense of resolve to illuminate paths of knowledge and compassion, ensuring that the spirit of “Missio et Excellentia” thrives for generations to come.
As it adds another year to its existence, SLU aims to add impactful feathers in its cap– to champion sustainability, promote inclusive education, and pioneer innovation.
