UNO-R HOLDS PENITENTIAL RITES AND LENTEN REFLECTION. . .
The university held its annual Penitential Rites and Lenten Reflection, March 30, 2021 at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentino. The ceremony opened with morning prayers and was followed by a catechesis of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines celebration given by Fray Ricky John Austria, OAR. Penitential Rites followed the talk and Fray Cristituto Paloma, OAR heard confessions and gave the general absolution.
Fr. Raymond Asoy gave the Lenten reflection for the community. He shared that everything in this world is an “I love you” from God. He reminded everyone that God’s Love is eternal, reciprocal, and overflowing. Being anxious and worried are insults to God because we are assured of the love of God. God is always there. He is the calmness of the storm, the center of the storm. We always have to remember that God will not allow evil when one is down. So as we celebrate the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, let Jesus be alive in our hearts.
The activity ended with the Holy sacrifice of the Mass led by Fr. Asoy for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. Three things must be remembered in the celebration and in all celebrations: the faithfulness, the mercy, and the love of God. These three make every celebration in life meaningful. We have to remember that God continues to be faithful to us as manifested by His mercy for us. 
. . . AND CELEBRATION OF EASTER TRIDUUM 2021
The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos community prayerfully joined the whole Christendom in the observance of the Easter Triduum. The Mass of the Last Supper was led by Fray Jose Alden Alipin, OAR at 5 PM. The transfer of the Blessed Sacrament was done after the Mass. Fray Don Besana, OAR led the community during the ceremonies of Good Friday at 3 pm. The Easter Vigil was led by Fray Amadeo Lucero, OAR. The faithful witnessed the blessing of the new fire, the lighting of the Paschal Candle, Blessing of the Holy Water and the renewal of Baptismal vows.
