THE UNO-RIAN THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.1 November 13, 2023
Various student leaders from different college councils and societies gathered together at the “Taize”, concluding the first day of University Week 2023 with prayers and fellowship, held at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine and University Parking Lot, Nov. 13. “As UNO-Rians, we can be the light to other people in various ways by showing them forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, and encouragement,” Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, said during the blessing of candles. Fr. Alaras also emphasized that UNO-Rians should also accept each other regardless of the age and status differences. On the other hand, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Supreme Student Government Officer’s (UNORSSGO) Secretary of the Department of Religious Affairs Dicken May Guarra stated that “Taize” was a form of expressing appreciation to God for the opportunity of celebrating University Week 2023. “As this is the first day of University Week, “Taize”
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allows us to place God at the center of everything by showing gratitude for the talents and skills that He had bestowed upon us,” Guarra expressed. Additionally, Guarra stated that time constraint was the biggest struggle to overcome upon the preparation of the event. “I am anxious about spearheading this event because of the exams last week, however I am thankful to my friends, and to the religious organization that showed support and encouragement along the way,” Guarra added. Moreover, Guarra highlighted that for events and activities to be successful, prayers and acknowledging God’s presence and blessings were essential. “We [UNO-Rian community] began University Week 2023 with a mass, showing that seeking God’s guidance was essential for our success, as evidenced by well-attended events today,” Guarra said. Furthermore, the said event was led by UNORSSGO’s Department of Religious Affairs, in partnership with Campus Ministry Office, and religious organizations.
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Stud leaders convene for Taize ‘23 by LIXIE IMEE SORIANO
MELODIC DEVOTEES. Solemnity filled the halls as student leaders and representatives convened for the Taize U-Week ‘23, at the University Oratory, Nov. 13. ◘ photo by JAN DANIEL BIÑAS.
U-Week opens with Novena Prayer and mass by Arben Jeyk Da-anoy
In celebration of the first day of the University Week 2023, the faculty and students of the University convened for the Mass and Novena Prayer in Honor of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, held at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Nov. 13. “[Agape, the third and highest form of love is] all about charity. It’s about doing something for other people, no matter how small they are, as long as it’s an act of service, it is an act of charity, that would be an instrument of change for other people”, Official Mass Presider Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, said.
During his homily, Fr. Alaras shared a story of how a businessman, particularly a bakeshop owner, unknowingly helped the street children in their village by giving bread to the nun for 30 consecutive days. “A simple act of charity, a simple greeting, a simple smile, can even change a person,” Fr. Alaras added. Moreover, Fr. Alaras concluded his homily by leaving a challenge to everyone to do a simple act of kindness in order to make a difference.
SOLEMN START. To commence the University Week 2023 and in honor of Señora De La Salud, a mass and the sixth day of novena prayer were held at the University Oratory, Nov.13. ◘ photo by JANTZEN LUMANOG.
