NAGA CITY – The Naga Parochial School opened its 73rd academic year on Monday, 20 July 2020, utilizing both online and modular instruction under the school’s Flexible Learning Experience or NPS FLEX.
Heeding the invitation of Jesus
In a live broadcast marking the start of the school year on Monday, Rev. Fr. Dario I. Echipare, School Director, expounded on the school’s motto, “let the little children come to Me” (Mk 10:14), saying that in response to such call, the school stands as an avenue where every child is given importance in the pursuit of their integral development."
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to excel and take pride in achievement, while maintaining respect and appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices of their families, teachers, and classmates. He also challenged them to be productive despite the pandemic, exhorting them to “make every opportunity an avenue for growth. Grow up to be responsible citizens. Success cannot be measured by material achievement alone. Your contribution to the world and society matters more than what you get out of it.”
In the same broadcast, Fr. Echipare expressed his gratitude to the students’ parents and guardians for entrusting their children to the school. He assured them that their children are in good hands, and that the faculty and staff of the Naga Parochial School are one with them in ensuring that their children will be equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century, and become one of the best members of the society.
A deep sense of communion
Coinciding with his 74th Birthday, Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD presided over the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral on 22 July 2020. The said Mass is an annual tradition which invokes the aid of the Holy Spirit as the school formally marks the start of the academic year.
In his homily, the Archbishop explained that in invoking the Holy Spirit, the Naga Parochial School is not only a school for itself, but it also shows a deep sense of communion with other schools by embracing and partnering with them. The Prelate added that “true education must lead us not to isolation, but to communion. If we do not grow in our sense of communion with others then we have failed with our task as educators.”
The Archbishop also expounded on the importance of the parents, especially as their children attend to their classes from home. According to the Prelate, “unless parents participate, the education of the students will not be complete. The Holy Spirit, my dear parents, is there to help you, our students, and our teachers work together in a participative manner."
Archbishop Tria Tirona also visited the School on Thursday, 23 July. During his visit, he took time to meet the students via video conference.
CCCom News/JC Madrid
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