A spirit of gratitude and celebration filled the air in Saint Louis University (SLU) on 8 April 2025 as the institution marked significant milestones.
Louisians came together to commemorate the 33rd Sacerdotal Anniversary of SLU President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were the blessing of the newly completed Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall at the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) Accreditation of SHMC as the first and only Medical Tourism Center in the North Luzon region.
Fr. Gilbert’s 33rd Sacerdotal Anniversary: A continuing journey of faith and mission
A Eucharistic celebration and Thanksgiving mass unfolded, honoring Father Sales for his 33 years of dedicated service to the priesthood and the SLU community. Prayers of gratitude filled the hall for his steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment.
Fr. Gilbert expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Louisian community saying, “My priestly ministry gains its deepest meaning with the people I serve. Today I am deeply blessed.”
He also emphasized that the new Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall symbolizes not only progress but also the interconnectedness of the university’s various facets, underscoring the importance of unity and collaborative spirit in achieving the university’s goals and serving the wider community.
Fr. Gilbert first joined the CICM in 1979 then took his religious vows in 1984. He was ordained to priesthood on 25 April 1992 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Prior to serving SLU as its 7th President, Fr. Gilbert was an intern-brother for three years in Hong Kong, 14 years as a religious missionary priest in Mongolia, and ten years as President of Saint Louis College- La Union.
Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall: A testimony to the CICM mission
Fr Gilbert and Dr. Paul Alai B. Quitiquit led the unveiling of the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, a structure dedicated to the visionary founder of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM).
An accompanying audio-visual presentation eloquently narrated and paid tribute to Fr. Verbist’s enduring legacy and his pivotal role in establishing the CICM missionaries.
Adding to the excitement, the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) performing groups gave captivating performances.
Dr. Quitiquit, in his message, offered insightful reflections on the significance of the events. “What fills my heart with immense gratitude–today is not just what we achieved but what we set out to do, but what outcome was far greater than what we could ever imagine. it is a testament to the fact that when we dream big and act boldly, the results can surpass even our wildest expectation,” he concluded, culminating the collective sentiment of the day.
SLU SHMC: The first and only Medical Tourism Center in North Luzon
As an accredited Medical Tourism Center, SLU SHMC provides first-rate clinical care and management, as well as specialized and sub-specialized forms of treatments, surgical procedure and intensive care providing amenities. These services cater to both local and international patients traveling for the purpose of availing health care services or treatments of illnesses and health problems in order to maintain one’s health and wellbeing.
The guidelines set by DOT focus on “the patient experience, encompassing every touch point, from inquiry, to consultation proper, up to post-operative care and recovery—the complete Philippine medical tourism experience.”
The day’s events serve as a powerful reminder of SLU’s enduring commitment to service, faith, and progress. The emphasis on service, community, and the legacy of Fr. Verbist resonates strongly with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, as it reinforces the university’s dedication to holistic development and values-based learning. Furthermore, the collaborative spirit evident throughout the day, bringing together faculty staff, students, and the community, directly aligns with SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, highlighting the power of collective action in achieving meaningful progress for all. (Article by Aivian Culanag, UIO Intern | Photos by Kyla Moreno, UIO Intern)
