The Saint Joseph College Educative Family (SJCEF) officially commenced its Family Day I: Acquaintance Party, convened at the Maasin Cathedral-Shrine on the 14th day of July, 2025. Guided by the theme, “Welcoming the Spirit, Embracing Each Other,” students, faculty, non-teaching staff, administrators, and priests gathered as they celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit by strenghtening connections of values, faiths, and relationships.
As Josephinians arrived at the Maasin Cathedral-Shrine, each represented one identity as they occupied the interior and the parish grounds: Once a Josephinian, Always a Josephinian. While they were anticipating the institutional celebration, they were also lifting with them the sacred message asked by the theme: To invite the Holy Spirit into their lives, and most of all, to promote love towards each other despite differences.
The institutional Mass began at 7:30 a.m., presided over by the School President, Rev. Msgr. Oscar A. Cadayona, PhD, SThL-MA, along with concelebrated priests from the school. In his homily, Rev. Msgr. Cadayona highlighted the theme’s message: We are guided by the Holy Spirit, realizing that one’s destination is meant to be shared with one another, not alone.
“Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we reflect on our theme: Rooted in Community, Growing in Faith: Making Every Place a Home. To be rooted in the community is to recognize that none of us walks this path alone.”
Rev. Msgr. Cadayona then turned his homily to the valuable role of the Holy Spirit in everyone’s life.
โThe Holy Spirit, whom we invoke today, is the breath of God that animates our hearts, opens our minds, and inspires us to see beyond ourselves.”
Rev. Msgr. Cadayona’s homily about the true meaning of home resonated with many Josephinians, calling them to accept the Holy Spirit and embrace one another wholeheartedly.
“Home is where we are accepted, where we are known, and where we are loved. It is a place of welcome, forgiveness, and belonging. May every person who enters our school find not just a place to learn, but a place to belongโa home.”
Through the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Josephinians were shaped by love, called to grow as one, and connected from heart to heart throughout the Family Day I, Acquaintance Party.
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Words: John Joshua Virtudazo | The Josephinian
