MEMBERS of the Ateneo community from across Mindanao gathered on Wednesday for the ceremonial blessing of the three new structures at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) campus.
Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., presided over the blessing of the new Ateneo chapel along Roxas Avenue.
The University Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption can accommodate around 700 faithfuls on its main floor and the mezannine.
The interior of the chapel embodies the rich cultural symbols and images of Mindanao in brass, wood, and fabric.
The artworks were created by Tausug brass sculptor, Juan Sajid Imao; the wood carvings were made by local artist, Rey Fuentes while the chairs were finely embellished with the Zamboanga Yakan made by the weaving family of Krishnan Kin Nasser Ilul.
Davao-based painters, Mark Tolentino and Bong Espinosa also filled the chapel with colors and stories of the the Bible and of the Mindanaon tribes.
AdDU President Fr, Joel E. Tabora, SJ said, "our intention was to provide the University with a place of worship and prayer that would support its catholicity in the multiethnic context of Mindanao and its culture of Ignatian spirituality."
Among the buildings which were blessed were the Community Center of the First Companions and the Fr. Edgar Martin SJ Hall.
The 11-storey Community Center which was named after Jesuit saints, Dt. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Peter Faber houses a student study center, faculty workspaces, academic department offices, research and advocacy offices, the Jesuit Residence, and a dialogue center.
The four floors of the seven-storey Martin Hall on the other hand, hosts sports and athletic facilities- volleyball and basketball courts, jogging track, fitness center, and a multi-purpose hall. The other floors have the Office of the Student Affairs, offices of the student organizations, and parking spaces.
The event was also attended by Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, Rev. Fr. Antonio F. Moreno, SJ and Rector of the Davao Jesuit Community, Fr. Daniel J, McNamara, SJ; among others. (CCC)