The Scholastican as a Change Agent - Part II
by Katleya Quijano
Secretary-General, College Student Council 2004-2005

In preparation for the school's centennial celebration in 2006, the second part of "St. Scho, School Ko 'To" lecture series was held on November 10, 2004 at the St. Ehrentrudis Eichenger Hall.  The activity was made possible through joint effort of the Student Affairs Office (SAO) and the College Student Council '05 (SC). 

Mother Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Prioress, was invited as keynote speaker.  Sr. Lumen Gloria Dungca, OSB, Sub-Prioress, introduced her by showing a short video presentation on the life and achievements of Mother Mary John.  The film clip also showed how involved the newly elected Prioress had been in helping realize changes in Philippine society.
 

The resource person started her talk with an anecdote about her life and narrated how she became deeply involved with people's efforts towards social transformation.  Mother Prioress also discussed the thrust of Benedictine Education, which is the liberating kind of education given to Scholasticans to make them effective agents of change.  She once again reminded the students of the adopted motto of the school, which is “ora et labora” – prayer and work.  Her inspiring message to all - “work as if everything depended on you and pray as if everything depended on God.”

Mother Mary John is a living example of an agent of change.  With her in our midst, we are being challenged and inspired to follow the same path; to live out the true Benedictine ideals of transforming ourselves to become instruments of peace and justice in our country. n