PHILIPPINES - The De La Salle University Dasmarinas (DLSU-D) Community celebrated Lasallian Mission Festival and Students’ Week last April 1 8 - 2 3 , 2022 , with the theme : “Lasalyano: T.A.Y.O. NA! - Transforming Lives in Celebrating Achievements and Yielding Opportunities for the Mission”. It was meant to celebrate God’s gifts, blessings and opportunities that allowed us to survive, thrive and rise above the challenges that the global health pandemic has brought forth for the past two years. We continue to “dream our way froward” by using our gifts and abilities in becoming visible witnesses of God’s mercy, healing and compassion.
The highlight of the week-long festivities was the Visit of the Relic of St. John Baptist de La Salle. In the morning of April 18th, the Relic of the Founder was welcomed at the Senior High School Chapel, followed by the praying of the Lasallian Rosary. A solemn procession followed, leading to the Chapel of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary where his relic was solemnly enthroned. The Eucharistic Celebration was then presided over by the Bishop of Imus, His Excellency Reynaldo Evangelista, DD. The University President, Br. Augustine Boquer FSC, delivered his message. The Holy Mass and opening celebration was participated in by the Brother Chancellor, Br. Francisco Dela Rosa FSC, De La Salle Brothers from the Residencia Community, Administrators, Faculty, Staff, representatives from the parents and alumni, and selected student leaders and senior high school students.
“This year's celebration of the Lasallian Festival is truly special and symbolic. Two years ago, we were in the midst of St. John Baptist de La Salle's Relic (bone) Tour in the different Parishes of the Diocese of Imus, as part of the commemoration of the death tercentenary of our Founder. However, this was disrupted due to the global health pandemic. But by the grace of God, we are given the chance to be visited once again by the Holy Relic, which is at the heart of this year's celebration of the Lasallian Festival and Student's Week. This is symbolic of the Founder “welcoming back the members of the community onsite, especially our Young Lasallians, as we intend to have the Veneration and other activities done onsite (with all safety protocols in place)” (DLSU-D Campus Ministry FB Page).
It was truly a great blessing that we have had in our midst a visible and powerful reminder of the life of our St. John Baptist de La Salle. With the visit of the relic of our holy founder, we celebrate the gift of our Lasallian identity and mission as we are challenged to be “Lasallian” in the truest sense of the word. May our personal encounter with De La Salle impel us to be living images of his love and compassion, especially to the youth that has been entrusted to our care. May each one of us become builders of a community of faith and zeal, united in the mission of teaching minds, touching hearts and transforming lives, after the life and example of our Father Founder. (Text: Dr. Maria Gracia “Ate Grace” Olorga; Photos: Mr. Jose Ritche Bongcaron)
