by Chelsea Marie S. Sermonia, BAComm-4, Centralian Link Intern

In partnership with the CPU Guidance Service Center, the CPU Junior High School (JHS) Department conducted its annual seminar entitled “Wait I Mean It,” exploring love, courtship, and marriage last Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in conjunction with this year’s Valentine’s Day.

The convocation commenced at 7:30 AM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium (RMA) and was hosted by Lincey Jamili of Grade 10 Jupiter. The program started with an opening prayer led by Dubhe Kirstin Corgos of Grade 10 Newton to be followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Hymn.

Assistant Professor Charlett B. Dianala, CPU JHS Principal, delivered the opening remarks, quoting from 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” She emphasized that love is demonstrated through action, such as living for the Lord, obeying Him, and serving others. This served as a reminder for the students to open their hearts to God, as He has expressed, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

This was followed by a special song number by selected JHS students and followed by the welcoming of JHS Guidance Counselor Mr. Bertram Janos Ecata to introduce the resource speaker for this love convocation who is Pastor Antoni Cloyd Afdo. Pastor Afdo currently serves as the Campus Bible Fellowship Coordinator at CPU. The topic studied in this love convocation was from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, sharing the biblical understanding of what love truly is.

In his talk, Pastor Afdo emphasized that no matter how convincing someone may be in professing their love, if they put you in a disgraceful position, it contradicts the Bible’s definition of love, as love does not behave in such a manner. He stressed that in loving someone, one’s highest priority should be their well-being.

Additionally, he mentioned that love entails self-sacrifice and commitment. He explained that there comes a point where one may need to sacrifice themselves for the highest good of the person they love, demonstrating a selfless commitment to their well-being.

He concluded his talk with a prayer, followed by the giving of a certificate of appreciation to the resource speaker by the CPU JHS Principal and the Director of the Guidance Service Center, Professor Jessalyn F. Fetalsana.

The convocation was concluded with closing remarks by Professor Jessalyn F. Fetalsana, Director of the Guidance Service Center. She emphasized that on this Hearts Day, it’s important to focus not only on earthly relationships but also on the God above, who loves far more fully and abundantly than we could ever imagine.