Colegio de Sta. Rosa – Manila @ 257!

By: Sr. Rhiza Eltanal, AR.
 
The theme for this year’s 257th Foundation Anniversary of Colegio Sta. Rosa, Manila is: “Re-rooting the Roseñan Identity”. And true indeed to its identity of enduring service, the entire school community celebrated the Foundation Day and at the same time, the feast of St. Rose of Lima on August 23, 2007 with  a whole lot of joy and a whole lot of faith. Even amidst torrential rain and flood due to typhoons, prior and during the Anniversary week, the endurance of the Roseñans was evident as they pushed through with the celebration. As if the heavens smile for the first time in days with the bright sunshine on the very day of the Foundation Anniversary, the CSR community started the celebration with a Eucharistic Sacrifice at the John Paul II Auditorium with Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, the Administrator of the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral as the main celebrant. Together with him were Fr. Alberto Avanzado, OAR and Fr. Asis Bajao, OSA as concelebrating ministers. Msgr. Cerbo emphasized in his homily the importance of St. Rose of Lima being the Secondary Patroness of the Philippines and that of her examples of humility and selfless service. He exhorted the students and the entire school community to live up the virtues of St. Rose in the ordinary situations of life. Re-echoing the often quoted words…”live your ordinary life with extraordinary love”.
 
The blessing and distribution of  roses was done after the mass. Immediately followed after was the procession of the image of St. Rose around Intramuros area. It was wonderful to watch the students, teachers and staff and the devotees bearing their own blessed rose during the procession. The rose is very symbolic not only to St. Rose of Lima’s beauty but that also of the school’s commitment of cultivating goodness among students even amidst the thorns and threats of the world… mindful of the school’s motto: “Quasi Plantatio Rosae”.
 
A Band Exhibition was beautifully presented by the school’s drum and lyre corps during the formal opening ceremony. More fun followed with the opening of booths participated by each grade/ year level. With little preparation and a great faith, the Foundation Day was a success.
 
But the highlight did not end with that first day of celebration. It continued to the second day with a bang! On August 24, 2007 Colegio de Sta. Rosa Manila goes “Broadway”. It was a musical extravaganza participated by our very own talented students themselves. It honed their theatrical skill and evidently it was so, from the opening number of the Broadway Can-Can Dancers, the spirited portrayal from the musical “Oliver” and “Grease”, the heart-rending song from the “West-Side Story”, the highly entertaining number from “The King and I” by our pre-schoolers and graders to the almost-professional-like rendition of the musical “Chicago” by our Alumni and the many other excellent performances. The Broadway Musical was directed and choreographed by Mr. Rady Ruiz. A Matinee show was scheduled at 2:00 in the afternoon while the Gala performance was at 6:00 in the evening. The proceeds of the said musical presentation will be used for the financing the on-going construction of the new Home Economics Building.
 
Indeed, Colegio de Sta. Rosa Intramuros grew into the heights of historical value for its years of existence. At 257 years, it had seen glories and defeats; intertwined with the revolving history of the country. But what struck me most as a new member of this venerable institution is not the length of years of its presence, nor the glory it once had held. But it is on the beautiful relationship established among its members and the commitment to bring God’s message to people, especially to the young.
 
On August 31, 2007, Mr. Juan Paulo Laurito shared about the life of Mother Paula de la Santissima Trinidad, the School Foundress before the whole school assembly. It is good to note after listening to the lecture that the Foundress’ original goal of establishing the Beaterio de Sta. Rosa (as the school was originally called) is to cater the needs of the Indias or the native Filipinos as education for the native girls during the Spanish colonial rule was very limited. It was very clear based from the vision of Mother Paula that Colegio de Sta. Rosa is an Institution founded on love and service. Her legacy surely lives on. It shall continue to live on as long as there are people willing to extend their generosity even beyond duty. This is what I believe… this is what I am convinced of…that Colegio de Sta. Rosa Manila shall see greater heights in years to come for God’s greater honor and glory!

VIVA STA. ROSA