By: Lourdes A. Bela-o and Genevieve B. Kupang
A heartfelt expression of gratitude for the blessings of 2024 and a time to reflect on the spirit of the Advent Season was held on December 12, 2024 at the Dr. Margarita Joven Fernandez Function Hall. Together, the Graduate School Family of Baguio Central University embraced the themes of hope and renewal as they thanked the Lord for His bountiful guidance and grace. They gathered for an enriching Advent recollection themed “Behold, Be Awake.”
Dr. Lilian Pagulongan, Graduate School Faculty, prays, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and fill us with Your peace and love…’ This beautifully captures the essence of being alert during Advent, inviting participants to reflect deeply on their relationship with God as they prepare for Christmas.
Rev. Fr. Marcs Castañeda leads the Advent Recollection 2024 for the BCU GS Family, nurturing our spiritual journey together.
This meaningful event was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd “Marcs” Castañeda, a distinguished figure in the Catholic Church known for his profound contributions to music, youth ministry, and community service. The “singing priest” of Mt. Province, Fr. Marcs has garnered acclaim not only for his musical talents but also for his unwavering commitment to pastoral work. As the Rector and Chaplain of the Bishop Francisco F. Claver SJ Pastoral Complex in Bontoc, he has dedicated himself to nurturing faith and fostering community engagement.
Fr. Marcs’s journey is marked by a solid educational foundation, including an advanced training in Moral Theology at Angelicum University, Rome. His experiences have enriched his theological understanding and deepened his resolve to serve others through the Church. During the recollection, he shared insights that resonated deeply with the Graduate School attendees, emphasizing themes of “vigilance at all times,” hope, and reflection that are central to the Advent season. Through his music and pastoral initiatives, Fr. Marcs embodies a spirit of resilience and joy, inspiring participants to embrace their spiritual journeys with renewed vigor.
Vigilance for the Advent
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap” (Luke 21:34). This advent season, we are called to a steadfast vigilance, lest the distractions and cares of the world lull us into a slumber and catch us unaware when the Lord returns. Our recollection has reminded us of the seven (7) Be Attitudes this Advent: 1) Behold, 2) Beware, 3) Be Aware, 4) Be Awake, 5) Behave, 6) Beloved, Be Loved, and 7) Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
1. Behold!
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). In this season of anticipation, we are invited to Behold the Savior – to gaze upon the beauty and greatness of Christ with reverence and awe. This beholding is no mere passive waiting, but an active preparation of the heart, a spiritual exercise of self-examination, self-affirmation, self-emptying, and self-discipline. For it is only in the posture of selflessness that we can truly behold the Lord. Selfishness prevents us from beholding. Beholding happens only in honesty and humility. It is a remark of awe and wonder and an impact of joyful awaiting.
2. Beware!
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap” (Luke 21:34). In this season of anticipation, we must be vigilant, lest the allures and cares of the world lull us into a spiritual slumber. The Lord’s return will come suddenly, and we must be prepared, our lamps lit and our souls awake.
3. Be Aware!
Be aware it is Advent. Be aware of the four Sundays of Advent to prepare us to the twofold meanings of Advent (1) Jesus came already and that is Salvation History. (2) He will come again. But he will come in glory.
For what good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? (James 2:14). Advent is a time to put our faith into action, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the least of these. In this way, we prepare our hearts to receive the King of kings, and we become the very hands and feet of Christ in this world.
4. Be Awake!
As we embark on this Advent season, let us be ever vigilant and aware. For these four Sundays of anticipation hold within them a twofold message – one of remembrance and one of expectation. We recall the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in that pivotal moment of salvation history. The Babe in the manger, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world – this is the mystery of the Incarnation that we celebrate. But our Advent journey does not end there, for we also await the glorious return of the Christ, when He shall come again in power and majesty to establish His eternal kingdom.
5. Behave!
In this season of Advent, we are reminded to conduct ourselves properly, morally, and strive with holiness. “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” Matthew 5:48.
Dr. Wayawaya Tactay leads a heartfelt prayer before meals, inviting participants to reflect on gratitude and community as they prepare to enjoy the agape meal together.
Calories don’t count when we’re sharing with friends and colleagues. Enjoy the food!” Dr. Genevieve Kupang cheerfully declared. Smiling with gusto are Dr. Samuel Neyney, Dr. Lilian Pagulongan, Dr. Wayaway Tactay, Dr. Michael de Roxas, Ma’am Jamaica Simon, Dr. Cherrie Manuel, Dr. Janice Alejandrino, Dr. Remedios Laroco, and Dr. Lourdes Bela-o.
6. Beloved Be Loved!
We were reminded that we are dearly loved by God. God declared in the many epiphanies how he dearly loved His Son Jesus. It was perfected in His death and resurrection. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.
7. Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
Be blessed! Be holy! Jesus enumerates the state of being blessed and becoming a blessing to others. Blessed is synonymous with happy. We go to the Mount of Beatitude where Jesus delivered the sermon. Matthew 5:3-11.
In this season of holy waiting, let us not be lulled into complacency by the cares and distractions of daily life. Rather, let us keep our lamps trimmed and our hearts ever vigilant, for the Lord may return at any moment, like a thief in the night. And when He comes, may He find us ready—not merely in outward observance, but in the depths of our very being, alive with faith, hope, and love.
As Rev. Fr. Marcs reads the guide questions, he sets the stage for meaningful reflections while participants prepare for a time of insightful sharing.
Just as the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.’ (Numbers 6:24-27) These are the same words that Rev. Fr. Marcs ended his sessions with us. He integrated songs that come from the heart to touch us and inspire us to become better professionals, better Christians, and persons who know how to love.
Together, they shared insights and reflections that have enriched our spiritual journey: Dr. Lourdes Bela-o, Dr. Lourdes Trajano, Ma’am Marga Taganas, and Ma’am Teresa Matiwtiw.
The Graduate School family is grateful to Dr. Michael De Roxas, who chaired the Advent Recollection Program, along with Ma’am Christian Wallang, Dr. Lyha L. Fias-ilon, Dr. Lilian Pagulongan, Dr. Wayawaya Tactay, Dr. Lourdes Bela-o, and Michael Sebullen as documenter, for their contributions in helping Dean Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang and Rev. Fr. Marcs Castaneda create a meaningful session.
Dr. Kupang expresses gratitude with a round of applause for Ma’am Michaela Caryl Rillera, who represents the president, acknowledging all the support given to the Graduate School of BCU.
Photo and Video Credits: Dr. Michael T. Sebullen
