Archbishop Soc celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Catholic Schools

3 June 2010 – Dagupan City. The members of the faculty, administration and staff of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Catholic Schools celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John, the Evangelist, Dagupan City. The Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, DD, was the main presider with the different priest-directors concelebrating with him. The Mass of the Holy Spirit opened  the school year for the different Archdiocesan Catholic Schools.

Vision and Mission of ALDCS

Rev. Fr. Manuel S. Bravo, Jr, the Catholic Schools Superintendent, read the new Vision and Mission of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Catholic Schools  (ALDCS). The Vision of ALDCS states: “In communio, the ALDCS form Christian Stewards through holistic Catholic Education and Formation.” To achieve this vision, the Mission is given in the following: “ To mold evangelized and evangelizing communities through – Authentic witnessing, Learning-conducive environment, Definitive School Policies, Procedures and and Systems, Christ-centered stewardship and Systematic and comprehensive education and formation.” The new vision and mission will guide and set the direction of the ALDCS.

The politics of the Church: Communio

In his homily, Msgr. Socrates B. Villegas, DD mentioned that politics of the church is communio. Communio has three elements. First is the “Communio with God”. He said that we  cannot be a good teacher, a good priest-director or even a bishop if we are not in the grace of God.

Secondly, there must be communio with the Church. In rephrasing the words of St. John the Apostle, Msgr. Villegas asked, “How can you say you are in communio with God who you cannot see, when you can not be in communio with others who you can see?”

Thirdly, there must be communio with the society. He said that the Catholic Schools should not only produce God loving pupils but also produce patriotic students.

“While we are proud to be Catholics, we must be proud that we are Filipinos”, Msgr. Villegas said. “Love of country is another expression of our love of God.” (TO LISTEN TO THE HOMILY OF MSGR. SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, DD, please click HERE).

The Catholic Schools

The Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Catholic Schools is composed of St. Thomas Catholic School (Mangaldan), San Jacinto Catholic School (San Jacinto), Holy Cross Academy (Laoac), Mapandan Catholic School (Mapandan), Archdiocesan Catholic School of San Fabian (San Fabian), St. John’s Cathedral School (Dagupan City), Binmaley Catholic School (Binmaley), St. Columban’s College (LIngayen), St. Columban’s Institute (Domalandan, Lingayen), St. Charles Academy (San Carlos City), Urbiztondo Catholic School (Urbiztondo), Mary Help of Christians Catholic School (Basista), Malasiqui Catholic School (Malasiqui), St. Vincent Catholic School (Bayambang), Jesus the Nazarene Academy (Dulag, Binmaley) and the Mary Help of Christians High School Seminary (BInmaley).