By: Jan Rey Moniño
As the academic year draws to a close, college students at Cronasia Foundation College Inc. are abuzz with excitement and reflection. Among the many traditions marking this significant milestone, the Baccalaureate and Thanksgiving Mass hold a special place for graduating students. This solemn yet celebratory occasion brings together students, faculty, and families to give thanks, seek blessings, and commemorate the journey of learning and growth.
On June 13, 2024, CFC holds its baccalaureate mass and Thanksgiving mass at Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, General Santos City. The school administrator, Atty. Cyd Charisse P. Non-Dizon, MMREM, REA, REB, together with the school faculty and staff, graduates, parents, and guardians, attended the said mass.
Moreover, graduating seniors, adorned in their academic regalia, gathered alongside their peers to mark the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The mass served as a time for reflection on the challenges overcome, the friendships forged, and the knowledge gained during their time at the institution. The atmosphere inside the chapel was one of reverence and gratitude as students listened to readings from sacred texts and participated in prayers of thanksgiving. The homily, delivered by Rev. Fr. Marito Varquez, CP, focused on themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of service to others. He stressed that college life is not easy, but if you put in all of your efforts, someday everything will pay off.
It was a moment for the graduating class to pause and consider not only their individual achievements but also their responsibilities to their communities and the world beyond. The imposition of hoods, along with the pinning of sashes, marks the blessing of the graduates and is sealed with the Thanksgiving prayer.
For many students, the Baccalaureate Mass held a deeply personal significance. It was an opportunity to seek blessings for the future, to honor loved ones who supported them along the way, and to express gratitude for the opportunities afforded to them. As they lit candles of remembrance and sang hymns of praise, there was a sense of unity and camaraderie among the graduating class.
Photo by: Wilson Lisondra
Illustrated by: Renjoy Rivera