Culture and Mission (and some glam shots!)

 

The evening of August 8, marked another significant and record-breaking event in the whole SATMI history. The institute held the first ever Open House Cultural Exhibit showcasing the different cultures of Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Samoa and Philippines. The event formally opened by the ribbon cutting ceremony with Sr. Miriam Alejandrino, OSB – the Dean of St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute and Fr. Senen Javier, C.Ss.R. The whole activity was graced with the presence of different visitors from the Church groups and parishioners, students from other congregations and orders with their respective formators and superiors, staffs of the SATMI and some friends of our dear students.

The Cultural Exhibit showcased both the diversity and uniqueness of different cultures in Asia. Each boothwere prepared, arranged and manned by our brothers according to their respective nationalities with some basic information regarding their cultures. It was also the time for the 4th year students to exhibit the details (including some glam shots) of their experiences during their immersion year in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

After few minutes of chit chats and some cocktails, the rest proceed to the second half of the Cultural Night which is the program proper. Showcase of talents followed next. The first years (count me in!) wowed the crowd (I hope!) with their opening salvo. One also of the highlights is the presentation of different entries of the students in different categories such as visual arts, essay writing, poem writing and song writing. The audiences were also had the chance to listen and be informed ( and be entertained!) by the extemporaneous speeches given by each representatives from different year levels focusing on the theme, ‘Mission through Culture’.

It is interesting to see and learn how the students envision their role in this widening mission and how they recognized the importance of culture in realizing the mission of Christ. The rich experience of every student shared during this event served as inspiration to others upon realizing the giftedness of this pluralistic and diverse community where we belong. The message of the whole activity focuses on how each culture though has their distinct character and substance, see and appreciate its semblance with others. It is this connectedness that makes us appreciate more the mission that God has entrusted to us.

The night ended with pure joy and appreciation both for the message and importance of our persons: distinct and unique and of course…the prizes that we received.

Thanks folks! ’Till next time... xoxo!

(Lhionell)