(February 9, 2008, MOnday) — His Eminence, Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, was main celebrant in a Mass that served as the formal blessing of the newly-constructed school chapel of De La Salle Lipa. shortly before the Mass started, His Eminence graced the unvieling of the statue of St. John Baptist de la Salle at the entrance of the spacious and comfortable chapel. In his homily, Cardinal Rosales pointed out that the place where the chapel was built was really a holy ground, consecrated by the blood of Lipenos killed by the Japanese soldiers. he also reminded the Lasallian family that the chapel is a sign of God’s presence in a community, also a place of celebration, and a place that would reveal the character of Lipa Lasallians.
Joining the Cardinal was Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of the Diocese of Boac. Bishop Rey, when he was rector of nearby St. Francis de Sales Minor Seminary, used to say mass for the Brothers’ Community and the school. He has maintained contact with the school even when he is now a busy bishop of an island-diocese. Priests from the Minor, Major and Theology Seminaries also concelebrated with some religious and other diocesan priests. Among the La Salle Lipa alumni-priests present were Fr. Jonas Palmares, chancellor of the Archdiocese; Fr. Junie Maralit, professor at the Theology Seminary; Fr. Gabby Kamus, OSJ, currently assigned in Rome in their mother-house; and Fr. Kalaw, a religious now based in Bicol. La Salle Lipa has contributed a number of priests and religious: Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, Fr. Bong Luistro, SSS, Fr. Gerry Lipat, Fr. JOnathan Tamayo, Fr. Joaf Africa, Fr. Fr. Jojo Mendoza, Fr. Godo Mendoza, Fr. Tony Mendoza, Fr. Tonio Umali.
Fr. Manny Lucero is the present chaplain of De La Salle Lipa.
