By Nicole Baculio, FFP student formator

In celebration of the Feast of St Ignatius Loyola, the Freshmen Formation Program (FFP) of Xavier University held a canvass painting contest Wednesday morning, July 29 at the XU Peace Park with the theme "Magis...my own spirituality."

The contest drew 29 entries depicting the legacy of St Ignatius Loyola in a Jesuit institution, the inspiration of St Ignatius in the formation of XU students and the promotion of Ignatian tradition of commitment to a faith that does justice — awareness of others' needs and readiness to place one's talents at their service.

Prior to the contest proper, Oscar Floriendo, art curator from Xavier Center for Culture and Arts (XCCA), gave a talk about the basics and elements of canvass painting. 

The FFP formators together with the student formators facilitated the event aimed at enhancing one's creativity in the reflection of their own spiritual and civic awareness. This would also develop their sense of expression and their own impression of the life of the founder of the Society of Jesus. 

All entries were displayed at the Peace Park. Select members of XU faculty or staff will judge the paintings according to originality (30%), artist’s concept in relation to the theme (50%) and overall visual impact (20%). The winners will receive special prizes and tokens from FFP.