On February 14, 2025, in the archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Luzon (Philippines), the blessing of a cultural center of the local Church was carried out and dedicated to St. Pedro Poveda.
February 14, 2025, was a memorable day for a group of TA members and friends. Archbishop Socrates ‘Soc’ Villegas designated it as the day for the blessing of the Lingayen-Dagupan Center for Education and Culture, which is under the patronage of St. Pedro Poveda.
During this momentous event, clergy and seminarians, superiors of religious congregations, the Director of the Dagupan City Cultural Office, and other notable lay leaders were also present.
Apostles of culture
At the beginning of the ceremony, Archbishop Soc explained that the Center is a direct response to the Lord’s call to “Go forth and teach.” He emphasized that as disciples, we must teach with and in Christ. Consequently, education without God becomes a breeding ground for future criminals. Without God, the promotion of culture turns into a curse for humanity rather than a crown of glory.
He then reiterated that at the Center, we “recommit to being teachers of the faith and apostles of culture and education. The only way to change the world is through empowered teachers who teach like Christ and teach only Christ.”
Two great men
In his inspiring short message following the Gospel reading, Archbishop Soc referred to two great men who profoundly impacted him during his early years as a priest: Jaime Cardinal Sin and St. Pedro Poveda. “Both taught me the consequences of silence in the face of spreading evil. Fr. Poveda said, ‘To believe firmly and to keep silent is not possible.’ Cardinal Sin showed me how to speak up and confront evil with the power of the Gospel.”
Having been blessed, the Center still needs to be equipped not only with more furniture and fixtures but, more importantly, with personnel and staff and a comprehensive range of program offerings that will enable it to operate effectively. This is where Teresian Association's Saint Pedro Poveda College and the Poveda Center for Educators' Formation, may need to step up and actively collaborate with the Archdiocesan Formation Center, specifically the Center for Education and Culture, to fulfill its mission.
Having a Center for Education and Culture dedicated to St. Pedro Poveda is a loving gift from the Archbishop, whose priestly life was influenced by the saint.
Betty A. Nava, Luzón.
Published in News