RED MASS 2018. This year's Red Mass was presided by newly-ordained Bishop of Tandag Raul Bautista Dael DD. Photo by Jinky Mejica of The Crusader Publication.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The Mass of the Holy Spirit, commonly known as "Red Mass," is a long-standing tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating back to the 16th century. This meaningful and solemn event is celebrated at the start of each school year.
On June 21, 2018, members of the Xavier Ateneo community gathered together at the University Gymnasium to ask for the inspiration, guidance, and presence of the Holy Spirit to grace the academic year.
This year's Red Mass was presided by newly-ordained Bishop of Tandag Raul Bautista Dael DD.
In his homily, Dael underlined the importance of peace in our society, particularly here in Mindanao. For him, peace is an experience of being embraced by God.
"There is peace if there is order," Dael said. "There is order if God is at the center.”
Pope Francis named Dael, then-episcopal vicar for clergy of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, on February 26, as the new Bishop of Tandag in Surigao del Sur, following the resignation of Bishop Nereo Odchimar. He studied AB Philosophy (1984-1988) at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan and MA in Theology at Saint John Vianney Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City.
Being an alumnus of XU, Dael also shared on why the University Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is at the center of Xavier Ateneo. He said that the University Church serves as "a constant reminder that we have to put God at the center of our lives."
Along with Dael, XU president Fr Roberto Yap SJ, VP for higher education Fr Rene Tacastacas, XU Grade School chaplain Fr Manases Amanense SJ, Campus Ministries confessor Fr Piere Claver Kouassi SJ, and Fr Coke Prieto SSJV of Saint John Vianney Seminary celebrated the Red Mass for the Xavier Ateneo community.
On the morning of June 21, SHS chaplain Fr Ritchie Elot SJ and Yap presided the Red Mass specially dedicated to the XU Senior High School at the same venue.∎ (Report by A. Arcayera and S. Pedroza)
RED MASS 2018. On the morning of June 21, SHS chaplain Fr Ritchie Elot SJ and university president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ (pictured here) presided the Red Mass specially dedicated to the XU Senior High School at the same venue. Photo by the Ateneo Camera Club.