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    • SPUD at 120

     

    St. Paul University Dumaguete Celebrates 120th Foundation Anniversary with Theme of Gratitude and Hope

    Dumaguete City, Philippines – St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD) recently marked a milestone as it celebrated its 120th foundation anniversary. Themed “SPUD @ 120: Grateful and Hopeful Pilgrims,” the commemoration was both a reflection of the institution’s rich history and a vision for its continued journey.

    Founded in 1904 by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, SPUD has grown into a distinguished educational institution in the region, known for its commitment to academic excellence, service, and faith-centered education. The anniversary theme highlighted SPUD’s legacy of gratitude for its achievements and a hopeful outlook toward future endeavors.

    A Tribute to Tradition and Service

    The anniversary events kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass, attended by faculty, staff, alumni, students, and religious leaders, honoring the founding sisters’ dedication and the unwavering service of all those who have helped shape the university. The ceremony paid tribute to SPUD’s history of fostering values, community service, and academic rigor, all grounded in the institution's Catholic roots.

    The university also celebrated the impact of its alumni, many of whom have become leaders in various fields. Representing the voice of SPUD graduates, prominent alumni shared inspirational messages during the event, reflecting on the values they gained and the ongoing influence of SPUD in their lives.

    Student and Community Engagement

    In line with the university’s mission of community involvement, students organized various outreach programs as part of the anniversary celebrations. These activities included educational workshops, health services for underserved communities, and environmental projects, underscoring SPUD’s commitment to social responsibility and community support.

    For current students, the 120th-anniversary celebration was also an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills. SPUD held cultural performances, art exhibits, and academic competitions, allowing students to highlight their creativity, academic prowess, and passion for the arts and sciences.

    Strengthening Academic Programs

    As part of its vision for growth, SPUD used the anniversary to announce enhancements in its academic programs, reflecting the university’s commitment to adapting to changing times. The institution unveiled plans for new courses, particularly in information technology, health sciences, and sustainable development, recognizing the evolving needs of the modern world.

    In his address, SPUD’s president emphasized the university’s commitment to providing holistic, values-based education that prepares students not only for professional success but also for service to others.

    Looking Forward with Gratitude and Hope

    Concluding the celebrations, SPUD officials expressed gratitude for the support of the entire university community, including alumni, faculty, and students, whose contributions have helped the university flourish for over a century. They reiterated SPUD’s mission to nurture “grateful and hopeful pilgrims” who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.

    The 120th foundation anniversary of St. Paul University Dumaguete not only celebrated past accomplishments but also laid the groundwork for the university’s continued journey as a leading educational institution.

    SPC Philippines Celebrates its 120th Foundation Anniversary

    120 Years of Faith and Service: Celebrating the Foundation Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province

    The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC) Philippine Province marks a significant milestone—its 120th Foundation Anniversary. This celebration is a testament to the sisters' enduring faith, unwavering commitment to service, and steadfast dedication to the people they serve. With the theme "Journeying together in synodality as witnesses of the kingdom: Gratitude, Challenge, and Hope," the anniversary serves as a call to reflect on their long journey and to renew their commitment to the mission of sharing the love of Christ.

    A Legacy of Love and Compassion

    The story of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres began in 1904 when the first SPC missionaries arrived in the Philippines from Vietnam. These pioneering sisters—armed only with their faith, resilience, and compassion—were determined to bring the light of Christ to a foreign land. They devoted themselves to various ministries, notably education, healthcare, and social outreach. What began as a small mission has since flourished, touching the lives of countless Filipinos across generations.

    Honoring the Past: Gratitude for 120 Years of Service

    One of the guiding principles of the 120th-anniversary celebration is gratitude. Reflecting on their journey, the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres honor the countless sacrifices and devotion of those who came before them. These pioneering sisters laid the foundation for the SPC's mission in the Philippines, establishing schools, hospitals, and social services that continue to benefit communities to this day. Their sacrifices serve as a powerful reminder of the call to serve, inspiring the present generation of sisters to carry forward the legacy.

    Embracing the Present: Rising to Today’s Challenges

    The path to 120 years has been marked with challenges, from world wars to natural disasters and global pandemics. The SPC sisters have been a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty, offering stability and care wherever they are needed most. Their commitment to education has also adapted with the times, ensuring that institutions like St. Paul University Dumaguete and other SPC schools continue to provide high-quality, values-based education. Today, they address new challenges, such as promoting sustainability, addressing mental health concerns, and ensuring access to education for marginalized communities.

    The theme’s call to “journey together in synodality” emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing these challenges. Through collaborative efforts with lay partners, local communities, and other religious organizations, the SPC sisters demonstrate the power of working together to bring about meaningful change.

    Looking Forward: Hope for the Future

    As the sisters celebrate their 120th year, they are filled with hope for the future. The world continues to change at a rapid pace, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Guided by faith and strengthened by their community, the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres remain committed to evolving their ministries to meet the needs of a modern world. This anniversary is a call to look forward with hope, envisioning a future where the SPC sisters continue to be agents of transformation and healing.

    The Celebration: A Gathering of Faith and Community

    The anniversary festivities are not only a celebration of the sisters' legacy but also a gathering of the SPC family—lay partners, alumni, students, and the communities they serve. Through Eucharistic celebrations, cultural events, and outreach activities, the SPC Philippine Province expresses its gratitude to God and the communities that have supported their mission. It is also an opportunity to inspire the younger generation to consider a life dedicated to service, in the hope that they too may contribute to a world built on compassion, justice, and faith.

    In Gratitude, Challenge, and Hope

    The 120th Foundation Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province is a remarkable celebration, honoring a legacy of service and a commitment to journeying together in faith. As the SPC sisters look back on 120 years of love, compassion, and resilience, they renew their dedication to living out the Gospel message and fostering hope in the world. Their journey continues, guided by gratitude for their past, courage to face present challenges, and a hopeful vision for the future.

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    SPC Medical Clinic and Pastoral Center
    Start of Ministry: July 8, 2006
    Address: Rizal St., Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac
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    PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR

    Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center
    Start of Ministry: May 11, 1985
    Address: Brgy. San Pedro, Cabusao
    4406 Camarines Sur

     

    PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE

    St. Paul's Convent
    Start of Ministry: June 16, 1982
    Address: Sitio Rang-ay, Poblacion
    2909 Ilocos Norte

     

    PROVINCE OF PALAWAN

    Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres
    Start of Ministry: May 25, 1906
    Address: Culion, 5315 Palawan

     

     

    METRO MANILA

    Cardinal Santos Medical Center
    Start of Ministry: September 15, 1988
    Address: Wilson Street, San Juan
    1502 Metro Manila

     

    VISAYAS


    PROVINCE OF ILOILO

    Madre Antoine Center Foundation, Inc. (MACFI)
    Start of Ministry: 
    Address: General Luna St.,  5000 Iloilo City

     

     

    MINDANAO

    PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

    SPC Pastoral House
    Start of Ministry: June 15, 1995
    Address: Sunrise Village, Tiguma
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