On July 7, 2025, the Patronage of Mary Development School (PMDS) in Boljoon, Cebu, solemnly celebrated a Votive Mass dedicated to the Holy Spirit, expressing their heartfelt petitions and entrusting the upcoming school year to divine guidance. The celebration commenced at 9:00 in the morning at the historic Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de María Santísima, a revered site known locally as Boljoon Church, which stands as a National Cultural Treasure and a symbol of deep Marian devotion in the community.
The Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Res Kenneth C. Arong, Parochial Vicar of the Inmaculada Concepcion Parish in Oslob, Cebu. His homily emphasized reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power and wisdom as essential for both students and teachers to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the school year 2025-2026. The event underscored PMDS’s commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also spiritual growth grounded in Marian virtues such as humility, obedience, and faithfulness.
Founded in 2009, PMDS is an institution dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, fostering Christ-centered values alongside intellectual and social development. The school’s spirituality is deeply inspired by Mary’s example as the first disciple of Christ, encouraging every Patrocinian—students, faculty, and stakeholders alike—to embody her virtues in their personal and communal lives. This Votive Mass marks the formal offering of the entire school year to the Holy Spirit, seeking continuous guidance, protection, and inspiration for the entire PMDS community.
Held within the sacred walls of the Patrocinio de María Santísima Shrine, the celebration also connected the school’s mission with the rich religious heritage of Boljoon, a town known for its centuries-old devotion to Our Lady of the Patronage. The shrine itself, built in the late 18th century and recognized for its Baroque architecture, serves as a powerful reminder of faith’s enduring presence in the region.
The Mass was attended by school administrators, faculty, students, parents, and community members, all united in prayer and hope. As PMDS embarks on the new academic year, this spiritual foundation reaffirms their dedication to providing quality education that is both academically rigorous and deeply rooted in Filipino and Christian values.
Through this solemn offering, PMDS entrusts its educational journey to the Holy Spirit, confident that with divine guidance, the school will continue to cultivate proficient, socially conscientious, and spiritually grounded learners ready to face the demands of modern life.