FIFTY-NINE YEARS after it was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop James T. G. Hayes, SJ, what used to be known as the Immaculate Conception Chapel of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception today with its new name: the University Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The renaming of the Chapel is part of the celebration of Xavier University’s Ruby Jubilee, and is the university’s way of being one with the local church, which is also celebrating the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro. The first Bishop of Cagayan de Oro, Monsignor Hayes, SJ, founded Ateneo de Cagayan in 1933.
“I think we have a few reasons why we want to call it a church instead of a chapel,” said Fr Charlie Cenzon, SJ, university chaplain.
Considering its size, the Immaculate Conception, which seats between 800 and 900, would hardly fit the description of a chapel, or a small place for Christian worship.
“The [Immaculate Conception] Chapel has traditionally not been for the regular and exclusive use and participation of XU students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni,” said Cenzon.
This is in contrast to the other chapels inside the University, namely, the Loyola House chapel for the regular use of the Jesuit community, the RA chapel for the regular use of the Assumption sisters, and the Haggerty House chapel which was used by the pre-novices/candidates.
Cenzon also noted that the XU Chapel holds three masses on regular days and four masses on Sundays, unlike the other chapels.
However, the renaming of the Chapel into a University Church is not the same as establishing a parish. “The XU Church will not become a Parish,” clarified University president Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ. “So the sacraments of baptism and matrimony will not be celebrated at the University Church.”
Still, the renaming of the University Chapel as a Church sends out a message of welcome to all the faithful of the Catholic community in Cagayan de Oro.
