With hearts full of devotion and voices lifted in prayer, the University of San Agustin opened the St. Augustine’s Feast Day 2025 with a colorful procession from the Plaza de San Agustin to the USA Chapel, where students and faculty from the Basic Education Department joined the walk of faith, carrying flowers as symbols of devotion and gratitude, which were later presented at the altar. Accompanied by hymns and prayers, the procession embodied unity, reverence, and the Augustinian spirit of service, culminating in a liturgical celebration that honored the life and legacy of their patron saint.
The Mass in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Augustine focused on honoring his life, teachings, and virtues. Throughout the service, those gathered reflected on his journey of faith and the important lessons he shared. The homily emphasized the call to follow his example by 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. This mass served not only to commemorate the Feast Day of St. Augustine but also to remind every one of his teachings and how they continue to inspire us today.
In celebration of St. Augustine Day, the youth were brought together for the Augustine Youth Forum, “𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞: 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦”— an event centered on faith and reflection. Throughout the forum, students courageously shared their personal journeys of hope and trust in God, inspiring all who listened. The highlight of the event were the memorable performances by the USA Little Theaters— portraying the challenges and stresses faced by many youth today, gently reminding everyone of the importance of pausing, taking deep breaths, and allowing themselves time to rest when overwhelmed and Rock Opong’s inspirational performances that touched the audiences’ hearts. The event concluded with the singing priest, Rev. Fr. Jonas M. Mijares, OSA, leading the praise and worship session.
The Cassiciacum Prayer Dialogue, anchored on the theme “𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧,” was a meaningful gathering that began with a lively student dance and a Eucharistic celebration led by 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐅𝐫. 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐥, 𝐎𝐒𝐀, followed by an engaging dialogue with 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐃.𝐃., 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐨. Guided by host Mr. Andres Bedonia, the dialogue explored pressing issues that today’s restless pilgrims of hope confront—from practicing integrity in business, combating misinformation, and addressing mental health with both faith and medical care, to seeking peace amidst wars, responding to ecological crises, and discerning the moral weight of abortion. With wisdom that was both gentle and profound, the Archbishop reminded the youth that to be agents of conversion and hope, they must first nurture peace within themselves, respect the dignity of life, and embody Augustinian values in daily living. The session ended in prayerful worship and music, leaving participants inspired to journey forward with one prayer, restless yet rooted in the hope that their hearts will find rest in the Lord.
Truly, the Feast Day of St. Augustine 2025 was a celebration filled with devotion, reflection, and hope, reminding the Augustinian community of their call to live out their patron’s legacy in today’s world. And as Archbishop Billones powerfully affirmed, “𝐀𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬—𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝.”
