A Thumbnail of UNO-Recoletos Solidarity Day History

A Thumbnail of UNO-Recoletos
Solidarity Day History*

Edited and Enriched by Dennis Madrigal

Blogger’s Note: *The original version of UNO-Recoletos Solidarity Day History was compiled by the Campus Ministry Office. I personally took the liberty in editing and enriching the original version in my capacity as the Head of Solidarity Day Academic Events as part of the materials to be used for the Solidarity Day 2013 Quiz Bowl.

The beginning…

The Solidarity Day celebration in the University of Negros Occidental -Recoletos is the brainchild of Fr. Ferdinand “Soysoy” Hernando, OAR, then a deacon assigned here. With the Tenth World Youth Day in Manila in view, he perceived the call to build a solid University community imbued with the Recollect spirit. Thus, on August 16, 1992, the First Solidarity Day was celebrated with the theme: “Towards Building Community (1).” It was attended by Religious Education (REED) students, ROTC and Grade School faculty members.

Fr. Ferdinand Hernando, OAR

Seeing the need of follow-up, a year after, on August 8, 1993 the Second Solidarity Day carried the same theme: “Towards Building Community (2).”  

In 1994, the Third Solidarity Day was celebrated carrying the theme, “Ang Paghiliusa sang Pamilya sa Subong Nga Panahon,” expressing our unity with the Church in the Philippines in promoting and preserving the integrity of Christian family against the Anti-Life Statements and Acts during the Cairo Conference.

The world Youth Day in sight

From then on, Solidarity has always ridden astride the local and universal Church’s and the Recollect themes and moral current issues and festivities. Like in 1995, the Church celebrated the World Youth day here in the Philippines and the Fourth Solidarity day carried the WYD’s theme: “As the Father has sent Me, So I am sending you.”

The first four solidarity celebrations were under the chaplaincy of Fr. Ronel P. Gealon, OAR whose efforts made it possible to make this religious event a university tradition.

The “Golden” Solidarity Day

On December 9, 1996, the Fifth Solidarity Day was held, close to the date of the foundation date of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (December 5) as the University  commemorated its 50^th Golden Jubilee year (1946-1996). That year was indeed a golden Solidarity Day celebration to be treasured by the members of the academic community. It was inspired by its theme: “Ginintuang Pamana: Sama-Samang Paglalakbay ng Pamilyang UNO-Rian na May Iisang Puso at Isip Tungo sa Panibagong Simbahan”.

Preparing for the Jubilee Year

Moving out from its usual venue, the University Gymnasium, the Sixth Solidarity Day was convened at the Amphitheater in 1997. A wider space and horizon helped in welcoming Jesus Christ guided by the theme, “Si Kristo, Abyan Ko Sa Gihapon” in preparation for the coming of the Jubilee Year celebration.

The preparation continues in 1998 with the Seventh Solidarity Day. The event recognizes the Presence of the Holy Spirit as its theme invokes: “Mabuhay ang Espiritu Santo, Laging Gabay ng Pamilyang Rekoleto tungo sa Ikatlong Milenyo.”

In 1999, the hectic ministry schedules of the University suspended the Solidarity Day event. The joyful hoorays and jubilant celebrations were saved for the Great Jubilee Year 2000!

The Year 2000 gives tribute to the Holy Trinity — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! The Eight Solidarity reflects on the theme, “Kari Kita, Maghiusa Sa Amay, Anak Kag Espiritu Santo sa Pagpanglakaton sa Pagtuo, Paglaum kag Paghigugma.”

Inspired by Diocesan Synod

The celebration continues as it also encourages to journey within or into depth of life, of our selves, of our faith. Faced with the challenge of the Second Bacolod Diocesan Synod in 2001, the Ninth Solidarity Day embraces and accepts this challenge in the theme, “Palawod Ta!”

The Family and Youth

In 2002, as the Universal Church held the World Meeting of Families here in the Philippines, the Tenth Solidarity Day took the theme: “Pamilya, Magpakatotoo Ka! Magpatotoo Ka!” The theme underscored the vital role of the family in the faith formation of the youth on which the future of the Church rests. The celebration nourished the spiritual growth of oneself in communion with God and others especially the family.

Reaffirming the Recollect spirit

Continuing and sustaining the Recollect spirit of the University’s Solidarity Day celebration, the Eleventh Solidarity Day in 2003 reaffirmed its Recollect identity with its theme, “Kabataang Rekoleto, Be Iba!”

With the National Youth Day and Recoletos 400

In solidarity with the whole Philippine Church in celebrating the National Youth Day (NYD) hosted by the Diocese of Bacolod in 2004, the Twelfth Solidarity Day carried the National Youth Day theme, “We wish to see Jesus!” The acceptance of the NYD Cross within the celebration added more meaning and significance to the religious event.

Due to very demanding campus ministry activities and Recoletos 400 Celebration, Solidarity Day did not take place in 2005. From then on, the Solidarity Day Organizing Committee decided to hold the event every two years. The decision was positively welcomed by the Religious Education faculty members and Campus Ministry staff. With this change of schedule, the Solidarity Day Organizing Committee will have more time in preparing this important religious activity.

Two years after, the Thirteenth Solidarity Day event was held on January 26, 2007 at UNO-R gymnasium. Integrating the spirit of the celebration of the 400 Years of Recollect Presence in the Philippines and Asia, the event took the theme, “I Leave You My Peace, My Peace I Give You.”

The Holy Spirit and Solidarity Day

One of the favorite themes of the Solidarity Day celebrations is the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in transforming the lives of the young people.

he first Solidarity Day to reflect on the Holy Spirit was in 1998 during which the Church prepared herself for the Jubilee Year.

Again, ten years after in 2009, the Holy Spirit became the center of the celebration of the Fourteenth Solidarity Day which adapted its theme, “Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit and Be My Witnesses!” from the spirit of World Youth Day in Australia. The event was held on January 16, 2009 with the University Gymnasium as its venue. The participants were encouraged to be cognizant of the active role of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Faith and Youth

Celebrating the CBCP Year of the Youth, University celebrated the Fifteenth Solidarity Day. Adapting the theme of the World Youth Day 2011 in Spain, “Planted and Built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith,” the Solidarity Day event took place on January 15, 2011.

Emerging as University Youth Gathering

It’s very important to note that Solidarity Day originally included all members of the academic community — faculty, staff, students and administrators. But beginning 1997, the event slowly began to focus on the students, emerging as University Youth Gathering as the years unfold. The shift was not just for mere practical reasons but more profoundly, the University has become more conscious of and committed to the emerging youth ministry in the Church. From then on, the Solidarity Day celebrations became one of the potent and creative ways that the University organized to minister youth.

Through the years, the Solidarity Day celebrations had been faithful to its very objective in bringing the young members of University together in the spirit of the World Youth Day; fostering unity, friendship, and fellowship; deepening and celebrating their Christian faith.

Every Solidarity Day event is an invitation and opportunity for the University, through the Religious Education Department and Campus Ministry, to creatively assist student-participants recognize more and affirm their baptismal promises, develop a deep love for Christ and to be firm in their faith and t and celebrate their faith through catechesis, reflection, worship and reception of the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Solidarity Day and the Year of Faith

The Year 2013 is a very special year for the Sixteenth Solidarity Day because it will be inspired and guided by two important religious celebrations — Year of Faith (2012-2013) and Recollect Centenary as an Order (1912-2012).  

For the first time in its twenty-year history, the Solidarity Day will be an overnight event in order to celebrate meaningfully and fruitfully the spirit of the Year of Faith and Recollect Centenary. The theme of the event will be “Pamatan-ong Rekoleto: Magtubo kay Kristo, Ibantala ang Pagtu-o.”   

After months of planning, consultation and preparation, the Sixteenth Solidarity Day is scheduled on March 1 – 2, 2013, and the University Amphitheater will be its venue.

Among the highlights of the event include:

a)    Academic Events

b)    Walk for Faith

c)    Eucharistic Celebration

d)    Catechesis

e)    Group Sharing

f)    Faith Testimonies

g)    Solidarity Day Bread Sharing

h)    Cine Recoleto Short Film Presentation

i)     Faith Concert

More than 2,000 participants are expected to attend this religious youth gathering which will again reaffirm the hope and confidence of the Church in the young people. “She hopes in them and in their energy. She needs their vitality in order to continue living the mission entrusted to her by Christ with renewed enthusiasm,” Pope Benedict XVI stated.

To enlighten and inspire our youth participants on the theme of the Solidarity Day, two speakers will grace the event. The first speaker is Rev. Fr. Jorge Peligro, OAR, the University’s Vice President for Academics who will delve on the topic, “Pamantan-ong Rekoleto, Magtubo kay Kristo.” The second speaker is Fr. Peterson Tieng, LRMS who will share his thoughts on “Pamatan-ong Rekoleto: Ibantala ang Pagtu-o.”  Each talk will be followed by a group sharing and later faith testimonies of invited students.

The Religious Education department Faculty Members and Campus Ministry Staff composed the Solidarity Day 2013 Organizing Committee with Rev. Fr.  Abraham Latoza, OAR as Executive Director and Rev. Fr. Cornelio Moral, OAR as Overall Chairman.