On 5 August 2025, the Louisian community honored the 63rd birthday of its beloved president, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD – a servant leader whose quiet countenance comes from understanding what it means to take up a cross and embrace God’s greater plan. The series of the day’s events served as a reflection of his faithful journey that is rooted in mission and love, and shaped by lands and languages, cultures and seasons.
Moments of Gratitude and Faith
The morning warmly opened as the SLU Management Team’s gathered to greet Fr. Gilbert and share a meaningful breakfast as an expression of camaraderie and fellowship. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration held at the St. Aloysious Gonzaga Parish.
In his homily, Fr. Sales reminded everyone that discipleship is about surrender—allowing God’s will and greater plan to take over one’s life. Taking up our cross means accepting the joys and troubles of one’s calling, not reluctantly, but with love and trust. “This message has special resonance for me as I celebrate my 63rd birthday. When I look back, I see how taking my cross has lived out in my journey where it has taken me across cultures, lands, languages, and seasons of life—from Hong Kong, Mongolia, and the Philippines,” he said.
His homily ended with a moving affirmation:
“Today, I am grateful for the mission entrusted to me, for the many people that walked with me, for those who have touched my life, and those lives I’ve had the privilege to touch. I renew my commitment to loving God in continuing to embrace His mission to me and us. May we serve with joy. We taste that reward in the peace that comes from knowing that we walk the path with God. I’m thankful for the gift of life, mission, and love.”
Blessing of Developments and Facilities at SLU
Blessing ceremonies of newly completed projects were held led by Fr. Gilbert, along with the CICM fathers and SLU Administration. Among these projects include the Rev. Fr. Paul Zwaenepoel, CICM Loop, providing additional road access to the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU SHMC); the Outpatient Clinics located at the 3rd Floor of the SLU-SHMC Medical Arts Building that are dedicated to medicine, OB-Gyne, pediatrics, surgery, pain management as well as the doctors’ private practices; and the new Rev. Fr. Gerard Linssen, CICM Boardroom, also at the Medical Arts Building, which is a reminder of visionary leadership and collaboration. These developments and facilities reflect not only institutional progress but also Fr. Gilbert’s sterling leadership rooted in a deep commitment to student welfare and community health.
“BobMatic 2025”: A Musical Journey Through Time
A special midday show at the Fr. Joseph Van Den Daelen, CICM Center for Culture and the Arts Theater brought the audience kindred laughter and reminiscence with a theatrical-musical tribute titled “BobMatic 2025”, which is aptly introduced through the screenwriter’s words, “musika’t dula alay kay Fr. Gilbert.”
Performed by the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts Performing Groups, BobMatic was set to iconic Elvis Presley tunes, tracing defining moments of Fr. Gilbert’s life across time—from his birth in Tuguegarao (1962), the prompting of his calling in the 1980s, missionary work in Mongolia (1992), a futuristic SLU in 2099, and back to the present-day “SLU, Year 2025.” With his persona “Bob” as guide, the story highlighted moments of faith, service, and joy, ending with a stirring solo: “And now, the record shows, I did it God’s way.”
Surprise Serenade and Luncheon Fellowship
To everyone’s delight, the celebration continued with a surprise busking performance by celebrated and leading OPM folk-pop collective Ben&Ben, whose musical storytelling filled the Fr. Paul Van Parijs Event Center with harmonious joy, both from the live music and from the Louisian community singing their hearts out to familiar serenades. Ben&Ben will be having “The Traveller Across Dimensions Tour” concert at the John Hay Convention Center on 23 and 24 August 2025.
A luncheon followed at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building where members of the SLU community gathered and offered personal messages of thanks and well wishes to their president, mentor, brother, and friend.
Fr. Gilbert’s journey is a testament of faith that began with the simple and powerful act of taking his cross and embracing God’s call. Such surrender has, thus far, led to the abundant graces of life, mission, and love.
