RST sends off graduates, awards outstanding students

Mira Nila Homes, QUEZON CITY—Solemn investiture was granted to nine theology students of Recoletos School of Theology (RST) last May 31, 2019 held at the Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Mira-Nila Homes, Quezon City.  At 8:00 AM, the Baccalaureate Mass was presided by Fray Lauro V. Larlar, OAR, PhD, Rector of RST, as the main celebrant. Formators from Recoletos Formation Center (RFC) and from other religious congregations also concelebrated in the Holy Eucharist.

After the Baccalaureate Mass, the Solemn Investiture was officially opened by Fray Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR, PhD, the Registrar of RST.  Invocation was led by Bro. Arun David Maria Anthuvan, SdC (Cum Laude, MAT and Magna Cum Laude, SThB).  Address of petition was delivered by Fray Ramon B. Bitancor III, OAR (Cum Laude, SThB).  The welcome address was given by Fray Larlar, OAR.

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After the introductory part of the program, the Solemn Investiture 2019 was split into two parts: the ceremony for the ecclesiastical degree granted by the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, Manila, and for the civil degree from Recoletos School of Theology as a Graduate School recognized by the Commission on Higher Education.

The Dean of Studies, Fray Radni L. Caparas, OAR, SThD, presented the candidates for graduation of ecclesiastical degree and Rev. Fr. Rodel Aligan, OP, SThD, the Dean of the Faculty of Sacred Theology of UST conferred the degree and title to the graduates.

The superiors, parents, benefactors and friends imposed the hoods on the candidates for the ecclesiastical degree.  Fray Larlar, OAR, and Fr. Aligan, OP, awarded the diplomas to the graduates.  Keynote address was delivered by Fr. Rodel Aligan, OP, to the graduates, students, faculty and the rest of the faithful who were present.

The ceremony for the conferment of civil degree followed. Fray Larlar, OAR, conferred the civil degree and title to the deserving graduates while the superiors, parents, benefactors and friends imposed the hoods on the candidates for the civil degree.  Fray Larlar, OAR, and Fray Caparas, OAR, awarded the diplomas to the graduating students. The same priests presented the graduation awards for the civil degree.

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Students from first year and second year theology classes with academic awards were also awarded by Fray Leander V. Barrot, OAR, SSL, Vice Rector of RST, and Fray Gideon Lagrimas, OAR, Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Consolation Parish.

Fray Charlemagne D. Marin Jr., OAR, delivered the valedictory speech.  A Pledge of Loyalty by the new graduates was led by Fray James O. Alibong Jr., OSA (Cum Laude, SThB). The Induction to the Alumni Association of Recoletos School of Theology was led by Fray Barrot, OAR.

After all of the speeches and rites, Father Caparas, OAR, the dean of RST, delivered his speech. The RST hymn was sung to officially close the solemn investiture.  The graduates with their beloved families and friends took pictures to immortalize the momentous event. After which, the Masters of Ceremony, Fray Nero F. Bautista, OAR, and Bro. Constantino V. Salas, MMMP, invited the people to have lunch at the Bulwagang Recoleto Atrium.