In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Davao, the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) held an exhibit titled “Wayfinding through Uncharted Waters” at the Fr. Selga Main Lobby. The exhibit, which commemorates significant milestones from 1900 to 1948, highlights the historical growth of the Archdiocese and its impact on the community.
The event opened with remarks by University President S. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM, who began with a reflection on the biblical story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14:22-33, drawing parallels between Peter’s faith journey and the historical journey of the Archdiocese. She remarked:
“Just as Peter found his strength in the Lord amid the waves, so too have the Archdiocese of Davao and UIC found their strength in the Lord through these uncharted waters. From the early days of Mother Ignacia’s small community to the mission of the RVM Sisters in Davao, we are a living testament to faith, courage, and resilience.”
Her address highlighted how, with God’s guidance, Catholic education in Davao, founded by the RVM Sisters, has strengthened the faith of the people and nurtured the Catholic Church in the region.
Among the distinguished attendees were His Excellency Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao; Rev. Fr. Russel Bantiles; Rev. Fr. Amiel Espiña Arado; Dr. Pamela Castrillo, President of Ateneo de Davao University and Archivist of Ateneo de Davao University; Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, SC, from Holy Cross of Davao College; Mr. Rhys Lloyd D. Lacia of the Holy Cross Institute of Davao Studies; Fr. Ritchie Gamaya, Managing Director of Davao Catholic Herald; and representatives from the Davao Historical Society, Davao Catholic Herald, the RVM Sisters, as well as UIC Vice Presidents and Directors.
The program commenced with a message from the Archdiocese of Davao, delivered by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., pointing out that the Church’s mission is not to seek rewards and glory, but to bring honor to God.
This was followed by a presentation of UIC’s timeline, which traced the institution’s vital contributions to the region’s academic and spiritual life. Ms. Juris Elore-Sano, University Communication Coordinator of UIC, then elaborated on the event’s rationale. The official opening of the exhibit was marked by a ribbon-untying ceremony, led by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D.; S. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM; Rev. Fr. Amiel Espiña Arado; and Mr. Rhys Lloyd D. Lacia. Attendees were then invited to explore the exhibit, which showcased historical documents and photographs narrating the journey of the Catholic Church in Davao during the early 20th century.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Fr. Amiel Espiña Arado, who emphasized the ongoing legacy of faith, education, and service embodied by the Archdiocese and UIC.
