[The statue of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception takes the frontline during the procession from XU to Divisoria Avenue. Supplied photo.] 

Text by Fr Richard V Ella SJ

Xavier University held its annual commemoration of the feast of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, with two major events — a religious concert and a communal procession with a high mass.

The XU community and Kagay-anons watched the concert featuring the “Inspirational Diva” Jamie Rivera held at the Limketkai Atrium on December 6 dubbed as “We are God’s Children,” named after the theme song of Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines earlier this year.

In the concert, glee clubs from XU Grade School, High School and College performed as part of the front act together with the Singers for Christ, Friends and Music, the XU-United Religious Organization (URO) and the Moorjani Sisters. 

CDO Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ DD, XU president Fr Bobby Yap SJ, XU VP for Mission and Ministry Irene Grace Guitarte and XU VP for Academic Affairs Fr Rene Tacastacas SJ, among other personalities graced the concert with their presence. The Jesuit Community of the Loyola House also witnessed the performances of the evening led by its rector, Fr Mars Tan SJ.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the Project Assist of the XU Alumni Affairs Office, the major partner of the University Chaplaincy Office (UCO) for this event.

The concert was staged under the musical direction of Rexur Sabuga-a, technical direction of Hobart Savior, stage direction of Omar Tan and in cooperation with Nico Pimentel‘s Zen Events - Story Buddies.

Aside from the concert, the school community joined the procession along Divisoria Avenue, which was followed by a high mass celebrated by Arcbhp Ledesma at the University Church of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The UCO expressed its gratitude to the people and groups who were instrumental to the success of the two events, namely the XU Church staff, chaplaincy volunteers, campus chapel aides, XU-URO members, student assistants, and the different classes and departments who participated.

The two events served as the university’s tribute to the Blessed Mother whom the Catholic community continuously seek for help and intercession as part of the journey towards “our heavenly home with God.”

[GOD'S CHILDREN. The XU community and Kagay-anons watch the concert featuring the “Inspirational Diva” Jamie Rivera held at the Limketkai Atrium on December 6 dubbed as “We are God’s Children,” named after the theme song of Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines earlier this year. Photo by Whitney Nagasan]