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January 2025
January 2025
The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.
Bl. (St.) Pier Giorgio Frassati
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On January 20, 2025, the school community witnessed the blessing of the much-awaited sports field named after Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He is a global patron and companion for young adults, athletes, and ordinary people. Mountain climbing was one of his favorite sports. His motto was “Verso L’ Alto” meaning “to the heights”. This became the motto for Catholics inspired by Pier Giorgio to strive for the summit of eternal life with Christ.
The soon-to-be saint was born on Holy Saturday, April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy. Pier Giorgio joined the Marian Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer at an early age and obtained permission to receive daily Communion (which was rare at that time). At 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society dedicating much of his spare time to serving the sick and the needy, caring for the orphans, and assisting the demobilized servicemen returning from WW1. In 1922, he joined the Lay Dominicans (The Third Order of St. Dominic). He chose the name Girolamo after his hero, Savonarola.
Frassati died of polio on July 4, 1925. His mortal remains found completely intact and incorrupt upon their exhumation on March 31, 1981, were transferred from the family tomb in Pollone to the cathedral in Turin.
On May 20, 1990, in St. Peter’s Square Pope John Paul II beatified Pier Giorgio Frassati, calling him the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes.” Frassati’s canonization will be during the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 - August 3, 2025. Many Catholic young people adore him for being enthusiastic in pursuit of holiness.
The teachers and students gathered near the field for the regular morning assembly ceremony, after which ceremonial ribbon-cutting ensued. Leading the ribbon-cutting was Mother Provincial of the Province of St. Vincent Ferrer of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic, Sr. Cecilia Hsu, O.P. Joining Sr. Cecilia were Sister Prioress and School Treasurer, Sr. Lorna Alamares, O.P., Directress/Principal, Sr. Jacqueline Manuel, O.P., Volunteer Involved Parents Chairperson, Ms. Janice Liu, and former V.I.P. Chairperson, and now V.I.P. Consultant, Ms. Ellen Chu.
Subsequently, teachers and students moved into the sports field. It was the first time since the September 7, 2023 incident that the sports field sustained fissures from sinking one floor into the ground of an apartment building nearby. Proper foundation work had not been completed with the nearby construction site.
The students assembled on the track oval for the sports facilities blessing. The preschool students performed a heartfelt doxology. Trained by their P.E. Teacher Ms. Carolyn Chen. Mother Provincial Sr. Cecilia and Directress/Principal Sr. Jacqueline gave inspirational messages. It was a heartwarming message that the students observed.
Athletic Director Dr. Gustl Pido led the lighting of the torch. Joining him were the representatives from the D’TORCH House, faculty, administrative staff, and VIP Mr. Tony Chen. Finally, receiving the torch was Sr. Jacqueline, who then lit the cauldron. The cauldron signifies the formal opening of the sports facilities to everyone.
Fr. Tomasz Zalewski, OP, the school chaplain blessed the sports facilities. The sports facilities comprise the track oval, soccer field, basketball court, and preschool playground. Dr. Patrick Bugarin, OP assisted him around.
The students and teachers witnessed a ceremonial goal by Father Arturo Morales, with some senior students assisting him. The soccer ball used was very significant, the students, teachers, and guests took turns signing it. This act symbolizes the commitment to sportsmanship, teamwork, and community spirit.
Seniors, Jimmy Tsao and Amy de Bruyn were the master of ceremonies. The event ended with the singing of the D’TORCH Hymn with the DIS Choir leading.
