Saint Louis College joined the global celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 6 with a prayerful and heartfelt day of thanksgiving for all educators, academic support personnel, and non-teaching staff. The celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass offered in honor of their relentless dedication, sacrifices, and steadfast support of SLC’s mission.
The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ivan Panistante, CICM, OIC-Chaplain and was con-celebrated by College President Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD. In his homily, Fr. Ivan reminded everyone that teachers are co-missionaries of the CICM inside the classroom. He emphasized that educators are not only tasked to teach lessons and numbers but also to guide the hearts and souls of their students. He acknowledged the weight of their responsibilities, assuring them that it is all right to feel tired or overwhelmed. Yet, in the midst of it all, he encouraged them to pray, smile, and remain beacons of hope for others. His message was also a gentle reminder that each one carries silent burdens — and thus, kindness must always prevail.
After the Mass, the resident performers of the Center for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage presented a series of heartfelt performances dedicated to the teachers and staff. A special tribute was also given to Fr. Ivan, who celebrated his final day as OIC-Chaplain before returning to his mission country, Indonesia. The celebration concluded with the distribution of tokens and refreshments for the faculty and staff as a gesture of appreciation.
Indeed, the role of teachers in the formation and development of every human person cannot be overstated. Their influence shapes minds, nurtures values, and transforms lives. Without them, enlightenment and the fulfillment of one’s dreams would not be possible.
