First life-sized brass image of John Paul II unveiled

Two archbishops, one auxiliary bishop and 20 priests from the Archdiocese of Davao graced the unveiling and the blessing ceremonies of a life-sized brass statue of soon-to-be Saint Pope John Paul II, the patron of John Paul II College of Davao, at Ecoland Drive, Davao City, March 10.

Archbishop Romulo G. Valles of Davao presided over the Eucharistic celebration while Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla led the unveiling and the blessing ceremonies before the Mass. Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando, some monsignori and a number of priests also concelebrated.

Deemed to be the first of its kind in Mindanao (and probably, in the whole country), the 5’10” statue of the Roman Pontiff, carrying on his left the customary staff that depicts the crucified Jesus, and waving his right hand in a welcoming gesture, will be the main piece of the school chapel.

Mr. Ernie Evangelista, the School President, together with his wife, Mrs. Mercy Evangelista, the Corporate Treasurer, conceived the idea of fabricating a brass statue of the school’s patron saint to commemorate the grand event of his canonization on April 27, 2014. Pope Francis will canonize in Rome two Roman Pontiffs, Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II.

On that day, the school’s official name will also be changed to Saint John Paul II College of Davao.

Ms. April Evangelista, the School Director, has outlined a series of activities inside and outside the campus since January to highlight this big event. Entitled “A Journey to the Canonization of John Paul II: One with the Church in Celebrating his Holiness”, the said activities aim (a) to know better the person and ministry of the beloved pope; (b) to understand deeper his teachings and doctrines; and hopefully (c) to extend pious devotion to him among the young students of JPIICD, the Davaoeños and the Filipinos.

These activities include the 100 Days to Sainthood, a Campus Exhibit of the Life and Works of Pope John Paul II, a film showing of his life and ministry, the JPII Quiz: Inter-Department and Inter-School (high school and college) Editions, a symposium, and a focus group discussion about his doctrines. Besides, the whole campus recites together a special prayer to the soon-to-be saint every 8:00 am and 1:00 PM daily.

The main highlight of these preparatory activities is the coming to Davao of the relics of the beloved pope, which will be opened for public veneration from April 20, 2014 to May 18, 2014, the commemoration of the pope’s 94th birthday. Devotees from different parishes, ecclesial groups and movements of the archdiocese are expected to flock to the school during the said dates. Public veneration of the said relics will hopefully culminate in a grand celebration at the San Pedro Cathedral on May 18, 2014 to be presided by Archbishop Valles.

On the canonization day, students and lay faithful of the archdiocese will gather at the JPIICD Quadrangle to witness through live viewing of the canonization ceremonies in Rome. This is to resonate the immense joy of millions of Catholic faithful that gather at the St. Peter’s Square for this historic event.

The great influence of Saint Pope John Paul on the Filipino youth, especially on the Davaoeños, is undeniable. His two visits to the Philippines, in 1981 and 1995 (World Youth Day), left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of millions of Filipinos. The memories of his visit to Davao City on February 20, 1981 are still alive in most Davaoeños today.

For this reason, being the patron saint of the only college in the Philippines (and probably, in the whole world) that bears his name, and the only college in the world to receive such unique privilege to use his name while he was still alive, Pope John Paul II must be made known to the present generation of young people. This is a task that John Paul II College of Davao feels responsible to fulfill.

In fact, it is the mission that JPIICD is called to accomplish!