‘Fides 500’: HAU’s countdown to PH’s 500th Year of Christianization

In commemoration of the 500th and 450th anniversaries of the Christianization of the Philippines and Pampanga, respectively, Holy Angel University celebrated The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels or the project called "Fides 500" last October 2.

"Fides" is a Latin word which means "faith" and "500" was coined to mark the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines. The celebration was held during the Holy Eucharist at the University Chapel, presided by San Fernando Archbishop Most Rev. Florentino Lavarias, Archbishop-Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, and San Jose Bishop Roberto Mallari.

A symbolic offering of their four-year apostolate was facilitated by the University's academic and student services units, aligned with the Archdiocese's 15-year thrust for the marginalized and other Archdiocesan projects, as well as existing ministry and outreach of each organizational unit.

Launching of ‘Felipe Sonsong’Book, Angelus DVD

Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) Director Robert P. Tantingco also launched his book “Felipe Sonsong: From Macabebe Soldier to Saintly Martyr” which focused on the martyrdom of the Filipino Jesuit; and a DVD of the Angelus recorded by 12 bishops from Cebu, Marawi, Bicol, Ilocos, Cordillera, Metro-Manila and other regions in their respective regional languages, for airing in regional cable TV and radio stations all over the cou nt r y.

Oratory of Relics Opened

The celebration also marked the debut of the Oratory of Relics where more than 150 relics of Catholic saints and the beatified are displayed. It is now known as the biggest relic collection in Luzon, for public viewing by Don Mauro Gomez of Mexico, an HAU alumnus and a Catholic leader.

He acquired the relics from Vatican through the help of his aunt who was a member of the Daughters of Divine Zeal in Rome, and Fr. Dennis Duene Ruiz. The relics are encased in a retablo, a wooden altar with several niches of saints made by JB Woodcraft of Betis, showcased at the Don Juan D Nepomuceno Building.

The oratory is open for public viewing from Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm. "Holy relics are better venerated in public instead of being kept at home for private devotion," Gomez said. "We share HAU's endeavor to make the relics reach more faithful and increase their devotion and ultimately their faith."