Grand Alumni Homecoming is about CONNECTION

Hello, Fellow Aloysians!

How are you?

Last week, I’ve posted about Revival.  Today, I’m going to share with you my second word on the question: "What is Grand Alumni Homecoming for you in 3 words?"

2. Connection.

It is so great to chat with friends, dorm mates, classmates, batch mates you haven’t seen in a long time. Meet new friends from other batch. There’s not a space where you don’t share a common denominator. Be it 1^st batch, 12^th batch or 26^th batch, when you talk about your life in SOM, lahat nakakarelate.

                                                                                                  We were having breakfast with my friend and dorm mate when beauties from 7^th batch came. They told stories on how they were so makulet before, mga kalokohan nila and how they were all reshuffled when they were already in their senior year. (Aw!)We enjoyed our breakfast while we share our stories and laugh at our own kalokohan before. Haha.

Of course to immortalize the moment, a lot of photos have been captured during the GAH. Hehe.

But what makes GAH more meaningful is the incomparable joy of visiting father Al and saying a prayer of thanksgiving. It is one of the many little ways we can do to show our love to the one who became God’s instrument in transforming our lives.

As we continue to share our stories to our friends, dorm mates and classmates, let us also connect to father Al through prayer. Tell our stories of struggles and success. I’m sure he’ll be glad and be very willing to listen and give advice whenever necessary. Ask for his intercession. Also, let us be united in praying for his beatification and canonization to our amazing God!

Friend, what baon (experiences) did you take home after the GAH? You may want to let us also know. Feel free to share your answer/s below.

Live to the fullest! Spread light! Transform lives!

Next article: Service.

What is Grand Alumni Homecoming to you in 3 words?

(L-R) Jessica, Sarilyn, Jaizy, Lorraine, Dianne, Janice & Arnellie

Are you one of those Aloysians who attended the Grand Alumni Homecoming (GAH) 2015?

If your answer is yes, then I bet you also have your story to share.

Let me share with you what is GAH for me in 3 words:

REVIVAL, CONNECTION & SERVICE.

1. REVIVAL.

GAH was an event filled with purpose, fun and a unique sense of energy.

No escape for rekindling of memories.

An exchange of Hugs and unending questions.

“Musta ka na?” “Tagal na nating di nagkita.”

“San ka na ngayon?”

“Ano nang ginagawa mo?”

….and the unending exchange of conversations goes on.

It has been 6 years and 3 months when we parted ways and said goodbye to high school life.

And yes, there is no place like home. The feeling to be back after how many years. The feeling of seeing familiar faces. People you’ve shared your precious 4 years in high school. Eating the same food, wearing the same designs of clothes, and sharing your stories during eating time. Oh, the moment was priceless!

Be the light of the world.

Add to that the celebration of the Holy Mass with an inspiring message from the priest. Father said, “Father Al is one of the instruments who gave light. He allowed himself to be consumed by the light. “

“We are all called by God to continually give light to others.”

“Let us allow ourselves to be consumed by the light of love.”

“Let us turn to God who is light. Be a living instrument and give light to others.”

I was truly revived, renewed and empowered.

How about you fellow Aloysian? What is Grand Alumni Homecoming to you in 3 words?

Feel free to share your Grand Alumni Homecoming Experiences, reflections and thoughts.

*Note: The title of this article was lifted from the post of kuya Bong Sulapas who asked, “What is GAH to you in 3 words?” in the FB Page of ASMSI.

*Next Articles: Connection and Service.

A once in a lifetime event YOU wouldn't want to miss!

Last March 04 this year, I decided not to go to a once in a lifetime event. I have my own reasons. When you decide over something, you make reasons after, right?

Let’s take for example; while walking in the mall, something caught your attention. Oh, a pair of beautiful shoes. Or a pink blouse. Or a polo. Or a sparkling watch. And because they’re oh so adorable, you bought them. Believe me, after buying them, you would think of every reason on why you bought it. Ah, because all my clothes are old. Because I need it for the upcoming event. Because I need to use new ones to keep up to what’s trending. Because,… and the list goes on and on and on.

Just like the example above, I also have my own reasons on why I decided not to go. “I don’t have enough money to use for the event,” I told myself.

Then I heard a voice whispering to my ears, “My child, this event will happen

Venerable Aloysius Schwartz' Last Homily

Few years ago, I came across father Al’s last homily. He delivered it two weeks before his demise.

Dear fellow Aloysians, allow me to share his words with you. Take time to not only read but also reflect on our father’s words. 

The homily this morning will even be briefer than usual. God speaks to us in many ways. One way is through our body. Each day, my body grows weaker and weaker. It is becoming more and more difficult to breathe and to speak. So, God is telling me, “My child, my son, you have done enough. Take it easy. Take a rest for a while.”

         

This is what I intend to do. Someone else will preach these homilies to you and someone else will say Mass for you. Unless God chooses to heal me and restore me to health, I will continue to pray for you, but in

Father Al Schwartz’ Legacy

Venerable Aloysius Schwartz

“The glory of God is manfully alive.”-St. Irenaeus-

When I was in high school, our school’s motto is: “The Glory of God is manfully alive.” It is also our founder, Father Al’s personal motto.

I was already in college that time doing the usual things. Pray, eat, study. Pray, eat, study. My focus that time is to finish my studies. Until one time it dawned on me, am I really living the way I should? Every day, I go to school without any plans on what to do with my life after college. I’m existing but not truly alive. I have no sense of purpose.

Thank God that I recognized the fact that I’m not truly living the way I should. But now, what? How should I live my life then? What do I do with my life?