In celebration of the College’s dorm and the moving in of scholars, a Eucharistic Celebration and blessing was presided by Fr. Joselito “Jojo” Buenafe at the Student Lounge of Benilde Sports and Dormitory Complex, yesterday, Feb. 24.

Over 300 student volunteers, scholars, associates, and members of the administration attended and witnessed the blessing and mass, with Benilde chaplain Fr. Marco Divine Pangilinan and Fr. Lennen Deciar SSS joining in as mass concelebrants.

“The building that we will bless is indeed a blessing from God. And that is why we are asking God to bless it because through this building, our aim is to glorify God. May all those who will be dwelling in this beautiful place will make use of this building […] to find the charity of our Lord,” Fr. Buenafe said, emphasizing to the scholars that they should use the facility not for themselves but for God’s grace.

Before the mass ended, DLS-CSB’s President Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC expressed his gratitude to the partners and offices that made the dorm possible through his thanksgiving message. He also left a message for the students to imbibe as they continue to reside in the newly-constructed complex.

“It is aimed to be a space to champion sportsmanship, community, camaraderie, and solidarity—and as we say in the Lasallian tradition, it shall be a place of communion, a sacred place for grace,” Br. Fernandez FSC mentioned in his remarks.

“This place is for you. May you be faithful stewards of God’s blessings. May this gift from the College encourage you to hone your craft further, pursue your passions better, and inspire you to work towards becoming better Benildeans,” he concluded.

Prayers before the blessing were commemorated by the Office of Student Residence Head Mr. Paulino Villanueva. The priests thereafter moved around and gave their blessing to the attendees, residents, and the building. Hail Mary and Our Father were recited all throughout the benediction.

Subsequently, a flash mob through a dance performance was performed by Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company. A lunch amongst the guests concluded the event. 

Honing within the new “second home”   

In an interview with The Benildean, event head organizer and Department of Student Life (DSL) Dean Ms. Nori Ador Dionisio expressed her overwhelming gratitude to every office and the scholars who will benefit from this for finally the dorm is open after a long wait. 

Spearheaded by DSL, the blessing was made possible in partnership with the Office of Student Residence, Center for Sports Development, General Administrative Services Department, Infrastructure and Construction Management Office, Center for Lasallian Ministry, and Office of Culture and Arts.

“It is really a gift for the students. I know that the student-artists, student-athletes, and academic scholars do a lot for the school; and I think that this is also an opportunity. This space is given to them so that they can develop more,” Ms. Ador Dionisio stated, further advising the students to take care of the place to continue and build a communion of mission in God’s grace and Benilde’s footsteps.

When asked about his advice to the scholars, Br. Dodo Fernandez FSC said in an interview with The Benildean that other than taking care of the facility and using this as a platform to hone their potential, the College is supportive of their aspirations by giving them the aid they need.

“Benilde will always be open if they need anything. But this building is a sign, a clear sign, that we are out to help our scholars and athletes,” he added.

“Naluluha ako kasi grabe ‘yung building. I never expected it to be this majestic. Kitang-kita mo talaga ‘yung effort ng school na nag-iinvest talaga sila sa mga scholars and athletes. They won’t just settle for good—they actually did extraordinarily well,” Honors Scholar and dormitory resident Leancel Alarcon stated as she expressed her joy and excitement for the dormitory in an interview with The Benildean. She also added that there are still some adjustments that they are currently facing but she feels blessed and grateful to be a part of the institution.

Student occupancy for the dormitory was opened last Feb. 13 to 15. The Sports Complex is expected to be finished and fully functional within the next three months.