Photos by Mr. Mike Midem and Mr. Meljohn Tatel

As in the outset of the fiery zeal of the Apostles, members of the Ateneo de Naga University High School community gathered together to invoke the Holy Spirit and formally welcome one another in the solemn rites held on May 4, 2010 at the Covered Courts.

The opening rites, held at the refurbished Covered Courts, consisted of two parts: the Mass of the Holy Spirit and the Schola Brevis (Short Class).

Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, university President, presided over the first Eucharistic celebration of the high school community. Against the fiery bold letters of “Veni, Sancte Spiritus” (Come, Holy Spirit) and in the conspicuous red liturgical colors, Fr. Tabora filled the community with enthusiasm as he expounded on the role of Ateneo education.

In the context of the 70^th foundation anniversary of the school, Fr. Tabora emphasized “Ateneo’s role in recognizing human freedom and interiority”. He further explained, that “as students in the Ateneo are not dolls, robots, nor machines to be manipulated, emphasis is placed on freedom and capacity to find a niche.”

Also, within the Eucharistic celebration, the newly elected officers of the Faculty and Staff Club of the High School were sworn in.

In the Offering of Gifts before the Liturgy of the Eucharist, symbolic gifts such as school uniforms, books, teachers’ syllabus-lesson plans, and notebooks presented to the main celebrant, along with the offering of candles, flowers, hosts and wine.

Following the Mass of the Holy Spirit was the Schola Brevis, a tradition among Jesuit schools where the members of the administration, faculty and staff are introduced to the entire student body.