One Heart, Many Faces: Liceo Del Verbo Divino marks 150 Years of the Society of the Divine Word

The anniversary celebration brought together students, faculty, and members of the Divine Word community in a series of performances that highlighted both gratitude for the past and commitment to the future.

The event opened with a presentation from the nursery students and the dancesports athletes who will represent DLC 5 at the City Meet.

Then a prayer, through singing the SVD song, Witness to the Word, delivered by students from grades 2, 3, and 6.

The program continued with the Philippine National Anthem. Followed by a video presentation about the SVD, with a live voice-over from Brycee Buhay and Sean Bernales.

The highlight of the event was the performance done by the LVD Dance Troupe and other selected students, showcasing the different zones of the Mission namely AFRAM, ASPAC, PANAM, EUROPE.

Furthermore, Fr. Rogelio Bag-ao, SVD Philippines, Southern Province

Provincial Superior, then delivered the opening speech.

A contemporary dance segment featured the institution's dancers. A subsequent performance combined violin and guitar music with contemporary dance, performed by JB Bugho, Cj Beecham and other dancers. The show featured an original song from grade 11- Our Lady of Lourdes.

Toward the culmination of the program, Fr. Pat, SVD, performed “Witness to the Light” accompanied by a music video. His heartfelt rendition symbolized the SVD’s role as bearers of hope and inspiration throughout 150 years of missionary work.

This was followed by a video greeting featuring Divinians and individuals whose lives were touched by the congregation’s mission. Their testimonies of gratitude and appreciation served as living proof of the SVD’s influence across communities.

The event concluded with “One Heart, Many Faces” performed by Divinians. The song captured the essence of unity in diversity, affirming that though people come from different walks of life, they share a common heart and mission through the charism of the Divine Word.

The 150th anniversary celebration at Liceo Del Verbo Divino served not only as a tribute to the SVD’s rich legacy but also as an invitation for today’s generation of Divinians to continue carrying the light of faith and service to others.

by Neil Jorda and Khamila Adobo

Photos by Nourine Villafuerte, Rancy Labro, Nicole Servana, Catherine Smolen, Ar Silagan, Sheena Ramirez, and Kosha Garces