INCULCATING NEW RELIGIOUS traditions at San Beda University (SBU), the Bedan Pastoral Ministry (BPM) formally inaugurated the maiden celebration of “Santacruzan sa San Beda 2024,” last May 22.
This year’s event, embracing the theme “Santacruzan sa San Beda: Sama-samang Ipagdiwang ang Biyaya at Pag-Ibig ng Diyos Katuwang si Maria,” spanned for five days, beginning with the arrival of the Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa resting at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat last May 20, and concluding with its departure last May 24.
Headlining the week-long celebration was the observance of the “Sagalahan sa San Beda 2024” that emulated the traditional celebration of devotion to the Virgin Mary and the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena.
Part 1
Starting with the event proper, Bedans gathered at the SBU Driveway at around 4:30 p.m. to witness the Sagala procession. The event showcased female students from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in vibrant garbs – each representing relevant biblical characters, virtue, and religious figures.
Moreover, Ms. CAS 2024, Einna Clare Tan from the Department of Accountancy and Taxation, took on the mantle of being the Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) to cap off the presentation of the Santacruzan 2024 sagalas.
After which, CAS students, together with the Sagalas and the carriage of both the Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa and Our Lady of Montserrat, embarked on a solemn procession around the streets of Mendiola amid the sweltering heat, and proceeded to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat to continue the next part of the program.
Part 2
After the march of Sagala in the streets of Mendiola, the Bedan community attended a Liturgical Mass celebrated by Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Maranan, O.S.B. and Rev. Fr. Placido Ma. Acta, O.S.B. inside the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat.
But in a sudden turn of events, some participants of the Sagala fainted at the height of the mass due to the procession amid the high-heat index, the thick and long clothing of the Sagalas, and the poor ventilation inside the Abbey. Eventually, BPM was able to take action as the SBU technical staff added an air cooler inside the Abbey for the mass to carry on.
On Rev. Fr. Maranan’s homily, he reminded the people of the importance of the Krus sa Wawa, originating in Bocaue, Bulacan, that is known for having an actual remnant of the wood where Jesus was crucified. This was brought in San Beda to commemorate its existence, coinciding with the Santacruzan week. The Rector-President encouraged the attendees to have a stronger faith in the Mahal na Krus sa Wawa, while giving his gratitude before Our Lady of Montserrat.
At the homily’s denouement, Rev. Fr. Maranan applauded the whole Santacruzan program, saying “Heto ay simula lamang ng isang magandang pagdiriwang ng pag-ibig sa Diyos, nawa’y ito ay maging dahilan na patuloy tayong magkapitbisig, magmahalan, magtulungan at buuin ang ating Unibersidad,” while showing his appreciation towards the people behind the Santacruzan and their dedications towards the ‘Krus sa Wawa’.
Part 3
To conclude the celebration of the Santacruzan sa San Beda 2024, the Bedan community, together with the participants of the Sagala procession, took part in the ritual of offering flowers to Our Lady of Montserrat, which was then followed by escorting the Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa back to the SBU prayer room.
In his speech before the offering of flowers and farewell ceremony to the Our Lady of Montserrat, BPM President, Jestony Lumabi, underscored the importance of these rituals, saying “Ang rito ng pamamaalam na ito ay sumisimbolo ng ating pagmamahal sa ating mahal na Ina.”
Speaking to The Bedan, John Paul Jones, the activity chairperson and BPM’s Vice President of External Affairs, rated the success of the event with an “80 percent,” citing how “tahimik… maayos nating naipagdiwang ang Sagala—‘yung during the flow of the program itself—at naging maayos ‘yung ating misa.” Jones also confessed to the “flaws” of the event without any mention of the hot conditions observers and participants endured in the Sagala.
Nonetheless, Jones assured the Bedan community that the Santacruzan event would become an annual tradition, answering to the need for a celebration similar to that of the feast of Santo Niño.
“Tuwing enero, tayo’y nagbibigay ng papuri, parangal [at] pasasalamat sa Mahal na Poong Santo Niño. Ganu’n din naman tayo bilang pagmamahal natin sa mahal na Birhen, sa Panginoong Hesukristo, [at] sa Banal na Krus,” the BPM EVP shared.