Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) marked the launching of its 70th founding anniversary with a eucharistic celebration with the theme “Taos-Pusong Pasasalamat sa Iyo, Ama!” on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the SMAD’s Sky Gym.
Three hundred seventy-four (374) individuals, who were composed of Sister Georgette Hormillosa, F.I., the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) Board, alumni, beneficiaries (such as those from Our Lady of Victory, Sta. Ana Police Station, Police Station 18, and Maa City Jail), special guests, former educators, current teaching and non-teaching personnel, and students attended the thanksgiving mass that was presided by Msgr. Paul Cuison together with Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, Fr. Russel Bantiles, Fr. Reynaldo Retardo, Fr. William Cajes, and Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga.
Moreover, highlights of this year’s launching included the symbolic offerings during the offertory and the greetings and messages from the Provincial Superior of Indico-Pacific Province Sister Emelinda Falsis, F.I., the former principals Mrs. Paulina Deiparine and Dr. Rodilla Tumanda, the SMAD PTA President Mr. Raymund Batu, and the SMAD’s Alumni Association (SMADAA) President Mrs. Sharmila Ong in the prepared video presentation on SMAD’s history.
Chynna Louise Espartero, Grade 12 student and soon-to-be alumna of SMAD shared that “…the whole experience was a privilege. I feel honored to be among the few invited students who attended the mass. I was truly amazed to see the evolution and development of SMAD throughout the years and the past administrations through the video presentation. I can say that the whole event was well-prepared.”
The event was carefully planned by Sister Patricia Anna Aragon, F.I., SMAD’s Representative of the Congregation in the Apostolic Works (RCA) and the 70th Event Committee.
Afternoon snacks were also prepared by the Finance staff, headed by Sister Victoria Lim, F.I.
The blessing of the newly renovated Home Economics (H.E.) Laboratory followed the solemn mass.
SMAD has consistently pursued its vision of developing students who possess faith, a sense of justice, and are committed to work for the harmonious development of peoples, in an atmosphere where solidarity with the poor, self-discipline, sense of common good, joy, simplicity, and care for the environment are lived and nurtured. And imbued by the charism of the Mother Foundress, Saint Candida Maria de Jesus, SMAD has produced ideal graduates who have become brothers and sisters for others over the years.
Patricia Leigh N. Gonzales