UNO-R celebrates the feast of Saint Nicholas

Bacolod City—The University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (UNO-R) community celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Patron Saint of UNO-R, on September 10, 2024, at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine. A procession (Traslacion ) of the image of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Patron Saint of poor souls in purgatory, around the campus started at 6:30 am. The members of the community were assigned to different stations on the campus to welcome the image. This was followed by a Concelebrated Mass led by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD., with Fr. Joel Alve, OAR; Fr. Amadeo Lucero, OAR; Rev. Fr. Charlito Orobia, OAR; Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR; Fr. Emilio Jaruda Jr., Oar; Fr. Corvin Maturan, OAR; Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR; Fr. Joel Dequilla, OAR; Fr. Eduardo Celiz, OAR; Fr. Romeo Ben Potencio Jr., OAR; Fr. Antonio Limchaypo, OAR; Fr. Samuel Eyas, OAR; Fr. Joseph Dexter Palagtiosa, OAR; Fr. Mark Ryan Prado, OAR; Fr. Russel Sungcad (Archdiocese of Cebu); and Fr. Agustin Hinayan (Diocese of Bacolod).

The bishop in his Homily shared that Pope Francis is one person who revives the community’s faith where he goes, referring to the Papal visit to Southeast Asian countries. He said that considering the age and condition of the Pope, he gets his energy from being of Holy man of prayer. He likened this to St. Nicholas as a man of deep prayer. It means that St. Nicholas, Pope Francis, and other men of prayer are always united with God. The Pope declared the Year 2024 as the Year of Prayer. This is to prepare every faithful for the JUBILEE YEAR 2025.

The bishop further shared that we can celebrate the JUBILEE YEAR through prayer. He quoted St. Augustine’s four tips for praying. First, when we pray, we must put ourselves in proper disposition. We have to pray in desolation. Second, pray like everybody does-pray for real happiness. We must remember that happiness has a face and a name, Jesus Christ. Third, pray in a manner that Jesus has taught us. Pray the “Our Father” and let every line of this prayer be your petition; let the Will of God be done. And lastly, pray that God will deliver us from evil and keep us safe. We must remember that God makes great wonders and works in and through us, like in St. Nicholas. After the Mass, the Bishop blessed the loaves of St. Nicholas (Panecillos), that were distributed to the community. (news by Carlos Legaspi, Jr. and Angelo Yasa, BA Comm 2).