| The
war that rages abroad and in some parts
of our country has not hindered us to
perform this solemn function of thanking
Almighty God for the of education. It
has only served to strengthen our Bedan
resolve to love peace and pursue it. It
may seem that this is not a propitious
time to graduate, considering the uncertainties
that war, violence, and civil strife bring
down upon us. Yet, this is a most timely
occasion to let these graduating students
stand up and proclaim to the world that
peace must be sought not by violence and
war but by dialogue and mutual understanding.
My
dear Bedan graduates, as you step out
of these school walls you will be confronted
by the raging war and its aftermath.
Often the real problem for a faraway
country like ours is not the war itself
but its aftermath, its negative ripple
effect on our lives. Experts predict
a dismal socio-economic landscape for
the country that already has a tumbling
economy and a serious problem with peace
and order, not to mention the crisis
of political leadership. Such is the
scenario of your graduation. I realize
that it sounds somber if not grim. But
it is the world into which you enter
as Bedan graduates, and I am confident
that you are all ready for it.
May
the Sto. Niño whom you devoutly
venerated during your collegiate years
grant you peace and be with you. May
Our Lady of Montserrat remain a tender
mother to you. May our Holy Father Benedict
protect you from harm. May our patron
Saint Bede continue to inspire you to
pray and work that in all things God
may be glorified. Amen.
ANSCAR
J. CHUPUNGCO, OSB
Rector-President
That
in all things God may be glorified
|
