Story By Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Photos By Grace Ann Libre, CVPro
“Do not let the screen steal your dreams.”
At least a thousand Thomasian students, teachers and staff members attended the Mass of the Holy Spirit last July 17, 2026 at the CST-R Quadrangle to welcome in the Academic Year 2026-2027.
Rev. Msgr. Martin G. Brodit, Jr., JCL, VG, the Vicar General of the Diocese of San Carlos was the main presider of the Holy Mass and his homily hit the recent series of school-related violence and the worsening situation of gadgets, virtual games and teenagers.
Grade 7 Thomasians, in their green t-shirts, were in the front row seats with transferees and Grade 11. As they listened intently, Msgr. Brodit encouraged them to build “real relationships, real connections” in their families by talking to each other instead of just clicking away on the gadgets, especially during crucial times of the day like meals.
The vicar general also drew inspiration for the Thomasians from the story of demised amateur basketball star Rene Baterbonia who carried with him the dreams of his family and the Mindanaons when he flew to Manila to enter a grander sporting stage.
“Always include others in your dreams,” Msgr. Brodit gently told the Thomasians.
Before the end of the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR, CST-R President and Basic Education Director, with Rev. Fr. Monday Benjamine Edobor, OAR, Vice-President for Identity, Formation and Mission and Campus Minister, blessed the students.
The Thomasian teachers also took their Teacher’s Pledge with Ms. Marinell Ocampo, LPT, PhD leading them.
After the final blessing to all who attended the Mass, the new 86th Founding Anniversary Logo and Theme were revealed.
