TheCrusader August Tabloid

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TO HEAVEN, I OFFER. Just as he was able to found the Society of Jesus against all odds, the statue of St. Ignatius continues to inspire Magis despite the sudden flooding of Lucas-Campion-Xavier Halls’ Square.

(H.MAGTRAYO)

XU CELEBRATES FEAST OF ST. IGNATIUS By Princess E. Tolentino

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uly 30, 2011—With the theme “Bringing the richness of Asian culture to the living of the Gospel”, the Xavier University community gathered in advance commemoration of the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Classes were suspended for the University holiday that was a celebration of two parts: the wreath-laying ceremony at the grounds of the Lucas Hall, and the special Eucharistic Celebration at the Immaculate Concepcion Chapel. The wreath-laying ceremony, which started at eight in the morning, was a symbolic offering of respects to the Society of Jesus founder. To provide a solemn and prayerful atmosphere, the Prayer for Generosity, the

prayer composed by St. Ignatius himself, was rendered by the Xavier University Glee Club as the opening invocation. It was followed by the wreath-laying proper by University staff accompanied by the ROTC Marching Band. Fr. Calvin Poulin, the University Chaplain, led the blessing of the statue of St. Ignatius. This was followed by the symbolic placing of the sword on the hands of St. Ignatius, performed for the first time by the new University President, Fr. Roberto C. Yap. A gun salute was then rendered by the ROTC. In the special Mass, Fr. Rodolfo Fernandez’s homily presented a brief history of the celebration. He also talked about the strong symbolism of the act of placing

the sword in the hands of the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He said it represents the stand he holds “No mas” which he meant no more wars. Fr. Fernandez mentioned his experience as a missionary in Japan for more than 40 years taught him the truth in the Ignatian principle that “peace is stronger than war; [that] love is stronger than death.” In the same homily, Fr. Fernandez added that the hands of the statue of St. Ignatius were positioned such that it embodies the idea of offering one’s life to God. After the Mass, a small buffet was prepared in the Covered Courts. For the students who could not make it on the Saturday commemoration, an earlier Mass was held at the Covered Courts on the afternoon of July 29. Similar Masses were

also being held at the other XU campuses for the Xavier University Grade School and High School levels. The Feast of St. Ignatius was celebrated in advance due to the actual date, July 31, having fallen on a Sunday. Ignacio López de Loyola was a former soldier of Spain before a wounded leg forced him to stop. While recovering from his injuries, he was drawn closer to the Lord to whom he then offered his sword in an act of surrender. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus and was its first Father-General. Years after his death in Rome on July 31, 1556, he was canonized and became the patron saint of soldiers and of the Society.C

NEWS FEATURE

CSG, councils take off with GA By Joule Artemson D. Visabella and Jacqueline P. Uy

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uly 20, 2011 was more than just your ordinary Wednesday in Xavier University. Over 3000 students flocked to XU’s gymnasium to witness the 27th University Wide General Assembly, dubbed “Take Off: 27th Flight to Excellence”. XU students showed their generosity as they brought school supplies for admission. The gathered supplies, which amounted to two boxes, were donated to Baluarte Elementary School. For those of you who were on another flight somewhere, here is the lowdown on the happenings: In-flight delight Entertainment began as early as 4PM when performances from the bands of XU Soundtable filled the whole gym with music to delight the growing crowd. Video

presentations from various organizations played on the huge screen afterwards. Living up to its theme, the program proper began with a voice-over for flight departure which amused the audience. The Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe (XUCDT), Dulaang Atenista and Glee Club wowed the audience with their talents as they led the invocation, skit and song presentations, respectively. Later on, the emcees made the usual rollcall of the colleges, eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. The much-awaited opening remarks of University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap, SJ, garnered much attention from the students. In his message, he thanked the whole university for the warm welcome he received since he stepped foot in the university and how that warmth lingers until now, after almost two months. He also

ICONS ON AIR. College representatives behold their costumes during the University General Assembly. (C.SALCEDO)

encouraged everyone to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives. Besides welcoming the university’s new president, the entry of the newly-established College of Computer Studies (CCS) and Computer Studies Student Council was also

recognized, with a dance number in their honor. College representatives strutted the airplane-designed stage as they did the Pilot

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