“We shall always treat the poor with reverence and respect, compassion and cordiality… they are our reason for being.” Sacred Heart College administrators, faculty members, staff and officers of the different student organizations participated in the worldwide launching of the jubilee year celebration of the 350th Death Anniversary of the school’s patron saints, Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, Sept. 27.

A Eucharistic Celebration was led by Fr. Fernando Suarez, SNDS, and attended by the different members of the Vincentian Family namely: Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Luisas or Ladies of Charity, Brothers of Charity, Children of Mary, Vincentian Marian Youth, Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy, Sister Handmaids of the Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Vincent de Paul Foundation Inc., Vincentian Family Multi Purpose Cooperative, Vincentian Ladies Auxiliary Council, Vincentian Lady Missionaries, Young Ladies Association of Charity, alumni of the Congregation of the Mission, and alumni of Daughters of Charity schools.

The original plan of having festive activities and sumptuous salo-salo was turned into a simple yet very meaningful celebration as the participants shared the feast with the victims of the typhoon Ondoy. This is a concrete example of how it is to offer oneself to others who are poor, just like how St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac’s lived their lives before.

In Lucena City, SHC initiated novena masses at the St. Ferdinand Cathedral in honor of St. Vincent de Paul before his feast day last Sept. 27. A Holy Mass was also celebrated at the same venue last Sept. 29 to launch in the locality the 350th Jubilee Year of the Death of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.

“We are the new Vincent and Louise of our modern times, who must care for the poor and victims of our society,” said Fr. Nick Ferranco who headed the Holy Eucharist together with the SHC family. It was even highlighted by the unveiling of the international jubilee symbol led by the SHC Vice Presidents, Dr. Josefina M. Parentela and Dr. Juanito A. Merle, while Sr. Carmen Jimenez, D.C., consultant of the College of Nursing, and Mr. Matias Soriano, president of the Support Staff, lighted the jubilee candle. It was SHC President Sr. Fe G. Gedalanga, D.C. who formally opened the Jubilee Year Celebration in Lucena City.

The 350th Jubilee Year of the Death of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac started last Sept. 27 and will conclude in Sept. 27 of 2010.