RST prays to the Holy Spirit as it begins AY 2017-2018

MIRA-NILA HOMES, QUEZON CITY – August 11, 2017 (Saturday) The Recoletos School of Theology officially opens the Academic Year 2017–2018 with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a traditional practice by all Catholic educational institutions in commencing the academic year praying for the help of the Holy Spirit. The Society of Jesus under St. Ignatius of Loyola strengthened its practice in 1548 in Italy until all Jesuit schools observed the Mass of the Holy Spirit after his death in 1556.

During the Mass the academic community led by priest main celebrant prayed for the Holy Spirit’s power to imbue all students and professors with its seven gifts (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord) as they face the demands of the academe. Furthermore, the academic community asks the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom in order that they may see the presence of God in their studies and in their fellow students.

The Eucharistic celebration was held at the parish church of Our Lady of Consolation. The celebration of the Holy Mass began at 8:00 AM with a solemn procession led by the altar servers and priest concelebrants. Rev. Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR, rector, was the main celebrant and homilist. Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio Aureada, OP, SThD, representative of UST was present during the Eucharistic celebration.   Right after the homily all professors present took their oath of fidelity to Holy Mother Church by pronouncing the “Profession of Faith.” All RST students present also witnessed their mentors take their promise of fidelity. Finally, all RST community partook of the Holy Eucharist as one family in Christ.

To date there are fifty-two (52) students from eight (8) religious congregations enrolled in RST for the Academic Year, 2017-2018: