Story By Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Photos By SMO
Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos opened the Jubilee Year of the 80th Founding Anniversary with a live broadcast of Thanksgiving Mass and online launching of the 80th anniversary logo.
With Rev. Fr. Vicente Ramon, Jr., OAR as the main celebrant, the Holy Mass, which also celebrated the feast of the Divine Mercy, went live last April 19, 2020 at exactly 9:30 AM at the CST-R Supreme Student Council Facebook Page, which serves as the school’s official Facebook page.
In his poignant homily, Rev. Fr. Rafael E. Cabarles, OAR, a member of Batch 1960, focused on the pressing question about God’s existence and the pandemic Covid 19.
“How could a good God allow such a thing?” Fr. Cabarles asked.
The former CST-R director-principal discussed the issue using scripture references and rallied the Thomasian community to keep their faith strong even as the virus threatens not only world health and economy but also the fundamental truth about God.
“There is only one God. Your God is my God is their God.” He emphasized.
Meanwhile, present CST-R director-principal declared the 80th Founding Anniversary Year open. This year’s theme is “80 Years of Excellence: Timeless. Treasured. Transformative.” In his short message, Fr. Alve, a member of CST-R Batch 1988, recognized the need for the Thomasian community and all Filipinos to have something to hope for.
“…In a bleak time like this, people should either look for the silver lining or be the silver lining. The 80th Founding Anniversary of Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, home to thousands of Thomasians now spread all over the world, is our silver lining.”
He enjoined Thomasians at home to participate in the online celebration and to make their presence felt through social media engagement. True enough, the CST-R 80th Founding Anniversary Video, edited by Emilio Pocholo Sebastion Interino of Batch 2018, was viewed by at least 3,000 people when it was posted on April 19.
Fr. Alve also expressed his optimism that the school will survive the uncertainty that the current crisis has brought.
“CST-R survived the World War II, the People Power I and II, and Alma Mater dear will survive this pandemic,” he stated.
Fr. Ramon, prior of Recoletos de San Carlos and a member of CST-R Batch 1987, launched the 80th Founding Anniversary logo. Jazer Jude Jakosalem, also of Batch 1987, designed the logo that featured the figure 80, flame-heart-book ensigna and the Philippine eagle. He explained that the figure eight in 80 signifies infinity or the timelessness of CST-R while the Recoletos Augustinos brand of flame-heart-book represents the treasured Augustinian Values that the school instills to Thomasians. Philippine eagle, a symbol of vision, nobility and patriotism, represents the transformative tradition of the school that keeps up with the demands of the changing society.
The Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno Rev. Fr. Dionisio Selma, OAR, sent his message greeting the first Recollect school in the Philippines.
“Today, after four scores of fruitful service in the field of education and vocation ministry, and despite the highs and lows in [CST-R’s] life story, we still exclaim: What a splendid day!” Fr. Slema writes of CST-R’s milestone.
After the live broadcast, Thomasians, current students and alumni alike, joined the Ruby Anniversary Online Trivia that featured 10 questions about the Alma Mater. Questions involved recent school milestones including the shift to the K to 12 curriculum and the establishment of the Senior High School Department.
While the whole country is currently under quarantine CST-R continues holding online activities to engage students and alumni while waiting for the final decision of the Department of Education regarding school opening for year 2020-2021.
“Istorya sa Sto. Tomas,” one of the anniversary activities, also continues to accept submissions from Thomasians who would like to share their treasured stories during years at the school.
The school continues to the call for donations of the “80 Memorabilia” in order to establish a mini Thomasian museum that will feature the epic items related to being part of the CST-R community.
