UNO-R celebrates Solemnity of St. Augustine

Bacolod City, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL–The University celebrated the solemnity of St. Augustine, August 29 with a community mass at the Oratory and was followed by a family day celebration.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was presided by Fray William Villaflor, OAR, Local Prior and VP-Finance, with Fray Walthrode Conde, OAR; Fray Cristituto Palomar, OAR; Fray Jose Alden Alipin, OAR; Fray Amadeo Lucero, OAR; Fray Ronel Gealon, OAR and Fray Jose Teodulfo Jadulco, OAR. Fray Jadulco was the preacher. In the introduction, Fr. Villaflor told everyone of the influence of St. Augustine in our life of prayer, learning, and service.

Fr. Jadulco shared in his homily that St. Augustine whose his heart and mind are always directed towards God, was both full of excitement to see God and fearful of leaving his community. He was excited to see God for he longs for it. He feared for this community was under attack by the Vandals but his human weakness will not permit him that on August 28, 430, he surrendered himself to his Creator.

Fr. Jadulco ended his homily by sharing the message of God through the acronym for Our Holy Father St. Augustine. O stands for Oneness, unity, and communion; H stands for Heaven – our predestination. All of us are predestined to go to heaven. This is the place prepared by God for us but we need to work for it. F– refers to our fidelity in God and in our companions. It is also our faithfulness to our work. S – stands for sainthood or holiness. We are all called to be “saints” and A is Asking. We need to ask ourselves if we are willing to embrace service and oneness. After the Mass, a procession of the portrait of St. Augustine from the Oratory to the Main lobby followed.