Xavier University held a special program on June 10 at the Lucas Hall Grounds to commemorate the 115th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12.

The short program commenced at 8:30 am with the raising of the Philippine Flag led by XU President Fr Roberto Yap SJ followed by the 21-gun salute of the Philippine Air Force – ROTC.

The Cultural Dance Troupe rendered cultural and folk dances while the Glee Club performed patriotic songs "Iisang Bangka" and "Tagumpay ng Ating Lahi. XCCA artists also sang “Bayan Ko”, “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.”

In his message to the XU community, Fr Yap referred to freedom as crucial for both human and Christian living. On this occasion, he said, it is “good to remember that Christianity is all about freedom.”

He pointed out that there are two sides to freedom: what we are freed from and what we are freed for. Just as Jesus Christ freed us from sin, we should also free others from all forms of oppression.

“All around us is a family hungry for food, freedom, peace and justice,” Fr Yap said. He expounded that the Christian concept of freedom is not for the good of oneself but for others. “How much of your life is service?” he asked.

Quoting St Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Fr Yap iterated that as “citizens, Ateneans and Christians, we are called to freedom to serve others.”

XU Celebrates 115th Philippine Independence