IMPLORING THE BEDAN community to continue living out Benedictine values, San Beda University (SBU) formally opened its annual Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026 with the launch of year-long festivities ahead of its 125th founding anniversary on January 30.
With the theme, “Sa Patnubay ni Sto. Niño: Pagpapasalamat sa 125 na Taong Hudyat ng Pamayanang Bedista,” Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. Marana, O.S.B., urged the Bedan community to embody and strengthen the values of the University.
Students, teachers, staff, alumni, and guests gathered to formally celebrate the promulgation of the festivities, following the opening remarks of the Rector-President.
In his opening address, he described the year-long celebration as a historic moment for the University, stating that 2026 “fulfills the vision laid down by the Bedan forefathers in 1901.”
He also encouraged Bedans to offer their thanks and praises to the Sto. Niño, describing Him as a living presence among the faithful.
“Ang Sto. Niño, ay nagpapakita sa ating lahat na siya ay buhay sa puso, sa isipan, sa kaluluwa, sa inspirasyon, sa relationship, sa buhay ng bawat Bedista,” he said, noting that the Holy Child is alive in our hearts, serving as a guide in our endeavors as stewards of the community.
He emphasized that devotion to the Sto. Niño calls for humility, service, and a life that reflects God’s word, highlighting that the University remains an instrument of faith lived out in a distinct Benedictine way.
The celebration also marked the Jubilee Celebration of the 125th Foundation Anniversary of SBU, which reflects the powerful message of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, urging everyone to nurture and safeguard our shared home.
The Rector-President described the present generation of Bedans as a living proof of the “dreams of the Benedictine Monks” and faculty who built the institution 125 years ago.
“You and I, all of us in this community, are now witnessing history,” he said, stating that the founders could not have imagined how the once small Colegio would grow into a flourishing educational institution serving both the church and country.
Calling on Bedans to look beyond what the University has given us, the Rector-President challenged the community to reflect on its responsibility to carry San Beda forward.
He said the University’s mission is sustained through values of Ora et Labora, Fides, Scientia, and Virtus, which he identified as how Bedans should view life to concur future challenges.
He affirmed that our forefathers are telling us to “not ask what San Beda can do for us, because San Beda has been doing its best for all students 125 years ago.”
The Rector-President concluded his speech with a statement, that we should “fear nothing because God is with us,” a vital reminder that the Bedan community strives for success for the betterment of their life, the country, and God.
Led by the College of Law (COL), the Bisperas of Sto. Niño Festival began on Thursday, January 29. Starting with the motorcade, the official opening ceremony was held today, January 30.
The elebration is set to conclude on Sunday, February 1, with a solemn procession and a Eucharistic Celebration.
(with Bianca Ashley Bitanga)