My Commencement Message to MSS 2010 Graduates

Sister Myrna ADC, the mother superior, Sr. Imelda ADC, the principal/directress, Sister Angie, Sister Helen, the teaching and the nonteaching staff, parents, our partners in the education of the youth, batch 2010 graduates of Marcelo Spinola School, to one and all good morning.

How lovely it is to say, “This is the moment!” It is even more fulfilling to know that through the test of this most trying time, when the world is economically not well, our environment is threatened more than ever, the challenges of peace are getting in our way, you, the 2010 graduates of Marcelo Spinola School have made it through. Congratulations to all of you. Congratulations to your parents. Your families celebrate the success you have reaped after all these years of enjoying and struggling through a high school life.

By now, the people around are looking up to you as individuals endowed with skills, talents and character – ready to face a more challenging level. You graduated in this time when the prices of basic commodities are at record high. Our country is just more than a month from electing its new president and other officials. Just at this period, we are experiencing the effects of El Niño Phenomenon. The farmlands produce less. The dry spell has caused the scarcity of water supply. And here, right now, this moment, you are called to be like fountains where everyone can drink. How can we possibly become available sources in this difficult time? How can we ever become like public fountains where everyone can drink?

Just last night, while I was reading through your program, I came across a passage written at the edge of the back-cover that says, “I can do all things in the heart of Christ.” How fitting for this graduation exercises’ theme. Truly, it is in the heart of Christ that we can do all things, that we can really become like fountains – to quench the thirst of the needy, to feed the hungry, to give light to those in the dark, to offer joy to the lonely, to bring peace to this troubled world and to share love to everyone.

Firstly, you are called to be like public fountains of truth and justice. Looking back, you might ask, “Was I honest with what I did to my classmates and teachers?” “Did I practice fairness to everyone?” Graduates, as you move further from high school, you will become even more socially involved. Even at this election period, you are never far from being a part of the entire process. Look at us, your elders, and your parents. Be the change you want us to be when you reach the level where we are now. Be fountains of truth and justice to heal the wounds of our society.

Secondly, you are invited to be like public fountains of joy and peace. As a Marcelo Spinola School graduate in the midst of the people seeking for comfort, be like fountains of joy. Share what you have. Be instruments of peace, flowing like public fountains to everyone seeking for serenity. Share happiness within you. Be agents that bring peace and joy.

Lastly, I pray that you graduates become public fountains of love and service. Remember, we can do all things in the heart of Christ. You are so blessed, dear graduates that you have been here at Marcelo Spinola School. It is a community, working hand-in-hand for the formation of the heart of the young. One can have all the things in this world. But if he has not loved, he is simply nothing. He is like a fountain that has run out of water. He could be a fountain that cannot give water at all. Let us translate this love in our hearts to service. How beautiful is the song “Prayer for Generosity”, “Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas-Palad”. It expresses the longing to serve even without being paid in return. It tells one’s commitment to be like public fountains – free of charge.

In the heart of Christ we can all become like public fountains. Yes, we are journeying in a tough world. But having the love of God in our hearts, we can confront all the challenges along the way.

I have been always a part of this great school. Our Spinola Sisters were my formators way back my high school life – Sr. Myrna, Sr. Joy, Sr. Milflor and Sr. Nilda. I taught here for three years. Up to now, I still look up to the Spinola Sisters, seeing them as real public fountains of the Love of Jesus. Together, we teachers pray and work hard, that the youth of the land might have the heart of service and love, becoming real public fountains of truth and justice, joy and peace, where everyone can drink.