February 16, 2023 | Information Office
This is the transcript of the address delivered by Celso Duazo Pepito to the school community and guests who attended the Blessing of the Holy Family Wall Shrine last February 10, 2023 at the School Quadrangle.
The realization of this project is a combination of love, passion, and determination. But it was, however, the spirit of selflessness of many individuals who contributed their time, money and efforts, to make this piece a reality.
“We all know that art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth, at least, the truth that is given to us to understand.” This is how Pablo Picasso perceived the idea behind his art. And his perception is in line with my aspirations to create art that is not an image of reality, but a fraction of it, thereby motivating my viewers to think, understand, and do something to make a change. My role as an artist is not to replicate God’s creation, but somehow create images that will inspire individuals to discover their significance in building a well meaning society.
This project was hatched when Fr. Gerry Quejada told me to come up with a sculptural work that will enhance and uplift students’ journey to loving God, love their family, thereby, helping them manifest their love for our country. Hearing Fr. Gerry’s idea was, of course, a very challenging obstacle for me, However, deep in my heart, I had that belief that I might be able to do it, as I remember my days in UP Cebu doing sculptural works in our classes.
Accepting the challenge was never a means for me to be aspiring like that of the great Michelangelo, instead, l took it as an opportunity for me to experience how it was to be a sculptor for a given time. Finishing the work for more than three years was proof that engaging oneself in sculpting is, indeed, a very challenging one.
The role of art is not merely to supply the public’s demand for decoration. Art is a reflection of who we are as a people – as Christians, as Filipinos. Above all, art reminds us how beautiful God’s creation is. And with it, connection to our Lord resonates.
How does art connect us to God? By engaging works of art, we can experience a sense of comfort and peace, as well as feelings of unease and being challenged. Art invites us to an encounter, which is a gift – a spiritual gift that might bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. (Brother Lee Colombino, S.J.)
I opted to title this piece: Making Holy The Family, hoping to make this piece an inspiration and reminder that a stronger family will help us attain a more responsive society.
The center piece is the Holy Trinity – God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and God the Son, represented in an image of Sto. Niño de Cebu.
Mother Mary, St. Joseph and Baby Jesus are representations of the Holy Family, the Patron of PAREF Springdale School.
At the left side are a few of the activities of the school that hope to promote the importance of collaboration between teachers and parents as partners in nurturing the future of the students. More than promoting the intellectual and emotional aspects of the children, the School also gives importance to developing the capabilities of the students through sports and music. Using their God-given gifts and abilities, the students are encouraged to go the extra mile, doing good in the service of God and humanity – that is doing ordinary works in extraordinary manners.
At the right side is a family doing their duties as Christians – attending the mass, praying the rosary, offering homage to the Baby Jesus, appreciating the importance of prayers as they keep practicing their simple life.
The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño was used as the backdrop to signify the great devotion of the Cebuanos to the Child Jesus.
The 25 rays flowing from the Holy Spirit represents the 25th Anniversary of PAREF Springdale, which was celebrated last year. The octagon represents the guiding light for every individual who looks for his relevance in society. It also signifies the aspiration of PAREF Springdale to nurture their students to be good leaders in society, thereby making them the light to other people in the future.
The three planar divisions signify my personal advocacy to propagate the importance of loving God, loving the family and caring for the country thereby positively building a nation.
The coconut trees represent the gracefulness in growing in harmony of the plan of the Divine.
Making Holy The Family hopes inspire everyone to give premium concern to our family – to challenge ourselves to nurturing spirituality among us. As the basic unit of society, may the Holy Trinity guide us to make our family holy. ##