De Navigatione: Riding the Waves with the Star of the Sea

November 4, 2024 — Succeeding the first two exhibits at Holy Cross of Davao College and the University of the Immaculate Conception, the De Navigatione exhibition series continues, with the launching of the third exhibit being held at Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).

With a unique theme of “Riding the Waves with the Star of the Sea,” this exhibit series chapter is a tribute to the local church’s significant growth and milestones between 1948 and 1970. According to Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab, AdDU Executive Vice President, the theme is dedicated to the guiding presence of Mother Mary, the star of the sea. In Davao, Mary is seen as a beacon of hope and guidance, especially for those navigating life’s challenges.

The launching began with a blessed prayer by Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Basilio of the Society of Jesus, the Vice President for Higher Education and Rector of the Davao Jesuit Community. This was followed by opening remarks by AdDU Executive Vice President, Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab, in which he elaborated on the significance of the exhibit to the rich history and enduring spirit of the Archdiocese of Davao.

Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D. gave his message on behalf of the Archdiocese of Davao, where he reminded everyone of the theme for the Diamond Jubilee celebration: “Journeying Together as a Synodal Church living out the Spirituality of Stewardship in our Basic Ecclesial Communities.”, which capsulizes the spirit of the missionaries who shared their lives and faith with the people of Davao, and the ongoing journey that we, the religious and the lay, are all partaking as members of the church.

Ms. Hazel Meghan B. Hamile, a faculty member of the university’s Department of Languages, Literature, and Arts, then gave an informative introduction to the exhibition, as well as acknowledging everyone who made the exhibit possible, including the exhibition team, university faculty and staff, artists, partners who provided their artifacts and archival documents that are displayed in the exhibit, and all the esteemed guest in attendance.

The launching program ended with a closing prayer led by Mr. Don Miguel Niño “Igue” Doromal, a member of the university’s Psychology Department, where he sang a rendition of “Amare et Sevire” by Manoling Francisco of the Society of Jesus.

The exhibition is currently being held in the Ricci Hall, located on the third floor of the CCFC building at Ateneo de Davao University – Jacinto Campus. The entrance is free and open to the public on weekdays between November 5-16, from 8 am to 5 pm. (Alessandro Rikardo V. Millabe | Photos by Brenda Milan and AdDU)