Lumiére

A fresh set of Monicans are eager to shine brighter as the light of the world!

Introducing the new Lumière heads and members for the academic year 2024-2025! Through enhancing our ardor, we will undoubtedly bring out the best we can be to strengthen our connection with Christ as mindful servants for Him and for the school community.

Lumière 2024-2025, signing in!

Writer: Missy Cariño
Edited by: Ejay Bryant Granado Cruz

’24-25

CONVOCATION DAY 2024

Here are some of the captured moments from the Convocation Day held last August 2, 2024. This event aimed to welcome the new batch of students who entered the Senior High School department. Grade 11 students took the next step towards their dreams, marching through the colorful flags that reflect the path ahead of them. Through this event, each section introduced themselves, officially accepting the responsibilities and challenges that come with their journey.

Indeed, a new school year has officially begun! It is a fresh start and a new beginning for these students who dared to dream, and will continue to dare themselves to persevere in building their future. May they continue to carry the spirit of a true Monican, who strives not only to succeed but to also ignite their flames and be the Light of The World!

Caption by: Danica Bonita
Edited by: Jeramie Dela Torre

“Ang Wikang Filipino ay wikang mapagpalaya. Ito ang magiging wika ng tunay na Pilipino.” – Renato Constantino

Ngayong Agosto, bilang isang Katolikong pamilya, ating pahalagahan ang wika at kulturang siyang nagpalaya at nagpapakilala sa identidad ng mga Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2024, na may temang “Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya”.

Sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang wikang siyang naging sandata sa pagkamit ng bansa ng kalayaan simula pa lamang noong una at magpahanggang sa kasalukuyan. Ang wika na siyang kapangyarihan ng lahat ng lahi at kulay sa pagsisiwalat ng katotohanan nang walang sino o ano mang humahadlang dito. Ang wikang siyang yumayakap din sa bansa at tumutulong sa pag-abot ng ingklusibong kaunlaran.

Kaya, sa pagdiriwang ngayong buwan ng Agosto, makiisa at makibahagi sa mga kaganapan at patimpalak!

Mabuhay ang wikang mapagpalaya!
Mabuhay ang Wikang Filipino!

After 9 long months, the school year reaches its end. Colorful ribbons, clinking medals, and meaningful certificates have been handed out to those students who persevered. Throughout these days, it’s not only textbook information that has been shared, but also smiles, laughs, and memories that will be etched in our minds. Despite the hurdles blocking our path to reach our endeavors, we overcame them hand-in-hand. Truly, this academic year has been an ilLUMENating journey for all of us. Cheers to more learnings that we can share to others, as we continue what our beloved CSMA has taught us. May the future be as radiant as the light we continue to bring to the world.

Caption by: Angela Marie Vardeleon and Jan Irgilu Cruz
Edited by: Melliza Roxas and Jan Irgilu Cruz

"Dream big, but always dream with God." - Rev. Fr. Reginald Zamora, OP

Communication, Participation, Mission, Dialogue, and Synodality. The Synodality Batch, indeed walked together to reach this far. All the moments we spent together will always remain inside our hearts, and all the teachings we've learned will always be in our minds. Goodluck on your next journey, and continue to be the Light of the World.

Caption by: Angela Marie Vardeleon
Edited by: Melliza Roxas and Jan Irgilu Cruz

In accordance with Memorandum DRF-05112024-221, face-to-face classes and other onsite activities of students are allowed under specific conditions.

Check your Class GC or Google Classroom for activities and other reminders.
Thank you!

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Senior High School Department will have face-to-face classes in the morning and online (synchronous/asynchronous) classes in the afternoon from April 15-19, 2024.

Students are advised to check the revised class schedule sent in their respective class group chat.

Study well and stay hydrated, Monicans!

Easter Sunday

Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as it symbolizes the rising or resurrection of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ that occurred on the third day after the Passover and after he was crucified on the cross.

This special day reminds us Christians there will always be hope and peace in times of struggle because those gifts are given by the Son of God. This miracle showcases that there will always be good change in the world and we Christians, as living instruments of God, have a mission to preserve and protect that hope and peace. These can be done if we do simple acts like loving each other, or simply following the ten commandments of God

Glorious Saturday

Glorious Saturday or Black Saturday is a solemn day in which people remember Jesus' sorrow and suffering for our salvation. It occurs between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, representing a time of waiting and hope. On this day, we reflect on Jesus' great sacrifice and the love He demonstrated by giving His life for us,thus a time for silent prayer and reflection on God's love and kindness. This day emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and love in Christianity. Furthermore, this waiting time also reminds us of the excitement and happiness of Easter Sunday, when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. Concluding, Holy Saturday commemorates Jesus' sacrifice and the importance of faith, hope, and love in Christianity, leading to Easter's joyful celebration.

Good Friday

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary. This Christian holiday is also known as “Holy Friday,” “Great Friday,” “Great and Holy Friday,” and “Black Friday.” It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. From the early days of Christianity, Good Friday was also observed as a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting — a characteristic that finds expression in the German word Karfreitag means (“Sorrowful Friday”). For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10).

Holy Thursday

One of the most eventful and vital days in the liturgy of the Church, Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday. The commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when He established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to His arrest and crucifixion. The imagery of a towel recalls the moment when Christ, as one of His last acts on Earth, wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His Apostles' feet at the Last Supper.

It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, three days of solemn worship in preparation for Christ's Resurrection from the dead.

Through this day, the people of God must listen to the words in the scriptures and understand it, so they can put it into practice. As we learn the teachings of our Lord, there is a sudden realization from our beliefs. Our prayers are not yet enough and God cannot answer all of them because his people will not learn.

Holy Wednesday

Or known as Spy Wednesday. The phrase is a different name for a particularly somber Holy Week day that revolves around Judas Iscariot. In accordance with Holy Week, let's examine the significance of this day and Judas's role in the profound tale of Easter. "Spy Wednesday" has a connection to Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus Christ. This day, Judas chose to turn on Jesus to the authorities, which resulted in Jesus' eventual arrest and death by crucifixion. Judas's alleged role as an accomplice or betrayer is reflected in the term "spy".

Holy Tuesday

This March 26, 2024, is the last Tuesday before Easter which is known as the Holy Tuesday. Holy Tuesday follows Jesus’ return to Jerusalem from Bethany, in which He passed by a fig tree. He used the fig tree as an example of teaching His disciples about the importance of faith, which means we are blessed to receive what we ask in prayer.

This is also the day when the Church commemorates the parable of the Ten Virgins and the parable of the Talents. These parables were given to us to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ and with that we shall also be fruitful and persevering in our duties while we wait for the Lord’s coming such as giving us a chance to reflect upon ourselves and strengthen our faith in Him.

Holy Monday

The second day of what is now known as Holy Week is called Holy Monday. This is when Jesus arrived in the temple courts, everyone who was there to purchase and sell was driven out. He knocked over the money changers' tables and the dove sellers' chairs. He addressed them, saying, "You are turning my house into a den of robbers, but it is written that it will be called a house of prayer." Resurrection Sunday, the final Monday before Easter, is marked by the gospels' accounts of Jesus Christ's responses to those who challenged his authority, his temple cleaning, and his cursing of the fig tree.

Palm Sunday

Christians celebrate Palm Sunday to remember Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as told in the Gospels. Palm branches were a symbol of victory and triumph in ancient times, hence the name "Palm Sunday." It marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday, which includes events such as the Last Supper, Jesus' crucifixion, and resurrection. According to the biblical accounts, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds laid down palm branches and cloaks in his path, shouting "Hosanna!" Usually, the Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday. During major church services, palm branches are blessed and given to the faithful as part of the celebration.

𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒕?

Prayer
"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." -St. Therese of Lisieux (CCC 2558)
During Lent, we're asked to devote ourselves to seeking out the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, serving by giving alms as well as practicing our own control through fasting. In this Lent, look at God's word in Scripture or ask the rosary with your loved ones.

Fasting
During Lent, Catholics must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well as abstain from meat for Fridays. Fasting is necessary for Latin Catholics between 18 and 59 years of age, so that they can have one complete meal as well as two smaller meals which are not equivalent. Abstinence from meat is mandatory for Latin Catholics aged 14 and above. Members of the Eastern Catholic Church are guided by their sui iuris church's laws. To honor Jesus's suffering and death, to prepare for the celebration of his resurrection, the fast on Good Friday may be extended till Easter Vigil.

Almsgiving
The recurring theme of the Gospels is that Christians are called to charity. A focus on " alms giving", which involves the donation of money or goods to those in need as well as various charitable acts, has been set aside for Lent. Almsgiving is considered one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, serving as "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒕?
You can make your time meaningful during Lent by doing these things.

1. Choose your Lenten sacrifice.
2. Incorporate positive actions into your daily routine.
3. Take the opportunity to attend Mass and Liturgical services frequently.
4. Take time for self-examination and reflection.
5. Spend time on devotion.
6. Go to Reconciliation.
7. Fast and abstain.
8. Have a seder meal.
9. Have a weekly sacrifice meal.
10. Promote a communal almsgiving project.
11. Share every good thing you have with others.
12. Love and forgive.

References:
1) https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent/what-is-lent-about-and-why-is-it-important.html?fbclid=IwAR0dIehPfiQ2G7v8vTN54IGjmFKG3WD6RSuXoPO_ezdRfVDkVbVYGZ5mz5M
2) https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Lent?fbclid=IwAR0rQmyde8FLt1Fka5R5v9tPQcI0cq5sUlDP_ujab2M4kjhCZC1felszKms

A blessed day, Monicans!

As we begin the Lenten season, we invite everyone to participate in the "Lenten Season Challenge 2024" in order to bring about positive change in all of our lives. Let us seize this opportunity to become the best versions of ourselves.

Pope Francis stated, "During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference."

“Forming Ourselves in Synodality as Companions on the Journey”

After weeks of preparation, the Grade 12 students are now ready for their retreat. This solemn activity serves as a break from the outside world and a refresher for the retreatants, bringing them closer to God.

And as they take on this journey, let us pray and hope for their safe and fruitful retreat.

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” - Ecclesiastes 3:20

Most of us ask for mercy and forgiveness from God and even confess our sins. Yet, we refuse to make changes. The three pillars of Lent have taught us to sacrifice as our way to show our love to God, donate our excess blessings, and willingly bring ourselves closer to Him through prayer.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten season. On this day, ashes are applied on our foreheads as a symbol of our repentance. It is our reminder to not only recognize and reflect on our wrongdoings but also to undergo a conversion. Although converting ourselves to the goodness of the Lord can sound challenging, it is fruitful as it will avert us from selfishness.

Caption by: Dianne Kathleene Nievera
Photos by: Jan Irgilu Cruz

Ash Wednesday and the Rule of Fasting and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday is the Church's tradition of starting the Lenten Season. It calls us to repent, as ashes are symbols of repentance for sin and surrendering ourselves to God. On this day, the faithful are embedded with a cross made of ash on their foreheads as a reminder to repent of their sins.

Since this day begins on Lent, it is also a call to fasting and abstinence. Fasting is giving up one's satisfaction and pleasure. The most common way is fasting of the mouth, where meals are reduced to one from the regular three meals a day. Other ways of fasting can be observed, such as fasting of the eyes and other ways where we can give up something we used to. Abstinence, on the other hand, is not eating meat or poultry every Friday or during the Good Friday of the Passion.

Fasting is obligatory every Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for Catholics who are 18–59 years old, with exemptions when the individual hinders him or her from fasting. Abstinence is required every Ash Wednesday, Friday of Lent, and Good Friday from the age of 14 until the death of a Catholic individual.

This Lenten season, let us not only remember Christ's suffering and resurrection, but also reflect on our sins and wrongdoings. We encourage everyone to confess and follow Christ into the everlasting life.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐬𝐨!

Music can transport you to a different world. And this time, it will take you to this year’s Feb-Ibig Celebration with the theme 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒: 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜. 🩷🎵

Want to keep this special day of hearts in a photograph? Come visit the 𝙭𝙤𝙭𝙤, 𝙋𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 to get your picture taken! For only 10 pesos, you can capture precious memories with yourself, your friends, your special someone, even with your teachers! Paalam muna, ha? 📸

At kung tila ‘di nauubusan ng hangin at ng paraan, narito pa ang 𝘿𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 para sa inyo! Super shy to confess your feelings? O gusto mo lang magpa-shout out? Punta na rito upang maipahayag ang message mo together with a song of your choice! 📝🎶

These booths are open for all students. Talaga nga namang love wins all! Kaya, ano pang hinihintay mo? Makisama na sa Feb-Ibig 2024 Celebration! It’s been waiting for you. 😉❤️

Caption and Pubmat by: Jan Irgilu S. Cruz (SSG Grade 12 Representative)

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐬𝐨!

Music can transport you to a different world. And this time, it will take you to this year’s Feb-Ibig Celebration with the theme 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒: 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜. 🩷🎵

Buwan na naman ng Pebrero! Nalalalapit na muli ang araw ng mga puso. A poet once said, “I want to be defined by the things that I love.” Kaya’t ipahayag sa mundo ang tunay na nararamdaman through the Feb-Ibig 2024 Dress Code! Different colors signify different feelings. Surely, every color and every hue is represented by me and you. Paalala lamang na sundin ang dress code policy para sa araw na ito.

Kaya, ano pang hinihintay mo? Makisama na sa Feb-Ibig 2024 Celebration! It’s been waiting for you. 😉❤️

Caption and Pubmat by: Jan Irgilu S. Cruz (SSG Grade 12 Representative)

Career Guidance Day 2/2

Since the Grade 12 students are close to graduating, a few universities decided to promote themselves to the students in hopes of giving them the opportunity to seize their dream programs.

Thanks to their promotions, these dreamers were able to find new opportunities to achieve their goals, and motivated them to become better students.

Thank you so much, future professionals! Aim high, reach high, and may you all continue to be the Light of the World.

Career Guidance Day 1/2

Hello, future professionals!

Revisiting the events of last January 16, 2024, the Senior High School department commenced the Career Guidance event! Students from the grades 11 and 12 dressed up into their dream professions, hoping to succeed in reaching their dreams. Knowing that their college days will soon begin, two members of our CSMA family visited to share their journey through their college lives and gave useful advice to help them adjust better in college.

With minds excited for the Christmas celebration and hearts enthusiastic to give back to the community, the Senior High School Department shared the spirit of Christmas with the MeFamDev families and people deprived of liberty in Angat.

On the 16th day of December, the awaited celebration of the Family Day to welcome the fast coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, finally happened. Our dear SHS teachers, parents, students, and the MeFamDev kids gathered, performed, and played together as one family.

But there’s more! Giving back to the community is a tradition the CSMA Family never forgets. With the SHS Faculty and SSG Officers, people deprived of liberty in Angat received Christmas groceries from our SHS Family. Upon receiving what we prepared for them, their eyes shined with hope for a new beginning and their lips formed a smile as they knew they were remembered.

The season of Christmas is not just about the presents we give and receive from our loved ones but is also about remembering the people on the periphery of society and giving them kindness…