By: Mrs. Jo-ana Minese Dulfo (GS Faculty)
On June 26, 2026, the Grade School community gathered at the Magis Eagles Arena (MEA) for the annual Holy Spirit Mass, a warm, hopeful ritual that sent them into the new school year after days of orientation with their class advisers and subject teachers. Fr. Michael Pineda, SJ, school president, presided over the solemn celebration, joined by Fr. Gilbert Emmanuel Levosada, SJ, Director for Campus Ministry and Social Involvement, and Fr. Irmo Valeza, SJ, Director for Alumni Mission and Relations Office.
The Eucharistic celebration opened with a meaningful procession of banners carrying the symbolic gifts of the Holy Spirit. Dressed in red Sunday attire, pupils and teachers alike glowed with Christ-centered devotion, their reverence visible in attentive faces and active participation. Jozef Manulat, Grade 6 pupil, beautifully delivered the first reading; Khaleesi Miñoza brought clarity and feeling to St. Paul’s letter in the second reading; and Jay Zafra’s voice carried the responsorial psalm across the arena, inviting everyone into prayer. John Joseph Pono and Gideon Pacana reverently read the prayers of the faithful.
From the Scripture, Fr. Mike offered a simple yet heartfelt homily tailored for the young Ateneo Hearters. He opened with a playful nod to Star Wars—invoking heroes and the Force and the familiar line, “May the Force be with you”—then gently turned that imagery toward a deeper truth: the Holy Spirit is our real and constant companion. He reminded the community that the Spirit steadies us in uncertainty, brings comfort in doubt, and inspires acts of kindness and courage. In that moment, the arena felt charged with quiet resolve — the young Ateneo Hearters imagining themselves as little Ignatian heroes, guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. As the Mass drew to a close, Fr. Mike extended a blessing over the Grade School family: “May the Holy Spirit be with you.” Together, the community prayed, calling the Spirit down to touch every Ateneo Hearter — pupil and formator — and to fill them with the gifts that will carry them through the year ahead.
After the Holy Spirit Mass, the young Ateneo Hearters had their health break, then the First General Assembly followed, hosted by the Grade School Magis Student Council. The MEA settled into a calm, focused state as Ms. Rachel Anne Taneo, CLF coordinator, led a brief mindfulness activity that quieted minds and opened hearts—helping pupils focus and prepare for the program.
Mrs. Lea Amores, Grade School principal, then welcomed the community with a warm, energizing message and a simple roadmap for the year: the ABCD’s of success. She painted each letter with purpose—A: aim high and give your best; B: be kind and a good friend to others; C: choose what is right; D: dream big and share your gifts.
Next, the guidance counselors shared practical mental-health tips, offering clear reminders on coping, connection, and self-care that felt timely and compassionate. The energy lifted when the “OK” dance followed, turning mindful calm into joyful movement as pupils and teachers danced together. Furthermore, the student leaders of the Magis Student Council stood before the entire assembly and took their oath of service and Ignatian leadership.
The formation day closed with the formation talks by grade level. Woven together, the Holy Spirit Mass and First General Assembly left the Grade School community both spiritually renewed and mentally prepared—ready to face the coming school year with faith, resilience, and optimism. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Photo credit: GS SEEDS Magazine
