Despite the death and devastation brought about by typhoon Rai (locally, Odette) and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas remains the most wonderful time of the year, opined Fr. Pres. Narciso A. Cellan Jr., SVD, D.Comm. in his message to Carolinians in the virtual Christmas concert, “When a Child is born.”
Recorded well before the typhoon hit Cebu and other parts of the Philippines, the concert’s message resounds for what would be a difficult Christmas season for many Filipinos. In his concert message, Fr. Sisoy said that the true meaning of Christmas lies in the presence of God with us, and because of this we have a reason to hope.
The University opened its campuses as shelters for the public, employees, and students during the night of December 16th, when typhoon Rai’s winds lashed the city for over four hours, toppling down trees and power lines. Days following the storm, USC opened its campuses for charging devices in the few buildings operating with generator power, and also provided clean water to those in need.
Fr. Cellan’s wrote his Christmas letter (see below), encouraging the Carolinian community to continue to pray, help others and “not stop doing something noble and kind.”
Fr-Sisoy-msg-Xmas-21Deadline for academic requirements extended
Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. issued a memorandum extending the deadline for the submission of academic requirements for the 1st semester AY2021-22 to January 14, 2022. This is in response to the situation in Cebu and other places affected by typhoon Rai.
Likewise, students and instructors have access to Canvas LMS until that date. Graduation ceremonies, enrollment, and the start of classes for the 2nd semester are also postponed for at least two weeks. Revised enrollment schedule will be posted as soon as it is available.