La Consolacion College Bacolod marked the Feast of Our Lady of Consolation with a concelebrated Mass centered on the theme “LCCians, Pilgrims of Hope with Mary” at the school quadrangle. The celebration aligned with the jubilee call of the Holy Father for the faithful to be agents of hope in their communities and in the world.
In his homily, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, highlighted the urgent need for hope amid global and national challenges. He cited the destruction of the environment, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and corruption scandals in the Philippines, including billions wasted on flood control projects. The bishop also raised concern over the alarming rise in suicide cases among children.
“All of these—waste pollution, carbon emissions, wars—are brought about by human actions,” Bishop Buzon said. He called on the faithful to begin with personal conversion, to follow Christ, and to remain rooted in Christian values. “We always have hope. In the readings today, we were given assurance. You, the youth, are the hope of our nation.”
He reminded students that their education at LCC Bacolod must be grounded in faith. “Your study at LCC does not guarantee that you will become good leaders unless you follow Christ,” he said, urging them to embrace a life of values, and charity.
Drawing from the Gospel, Bishop Buzon reflected on the presence of Mary at the foot of the cross, entrusted by Jesus to the beloved disciple John. He urged students not to lose hope but to bring hope into their lives and be proud of their formation in a Catholic school.
LCC Bacolod President Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, expressed gratitude to the alumni, parents, guests, and the clergy for their presence. She particularly thanked Bishop Buzon “for his guidance and the challenge he posed for us to become agents of hope in the spirit of unity, charity, and truth.”
The concelebrated Mass included diocesan priests Fr. Kaka and Fr. Chad, along with Augustinian priests Fr. Bong, Fr. Manuel, and Fr. Rey.
At the close of the celebration, Sr. Catungal announced that the LCCB Alumni Association, in partnership with the Office of Institutional Sustainability, will soon launch the Project Hope campaign to provide scholarships for deserving students.