By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Attendees gather for a photo opportunity during the morning session of the CPU College of Theology Centennial Celebration and Ancheta Lecture 2026 at the Conference Room of the Educational Media Center (EMC).
The Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Theology officially launched its centennial celebration and held the Ancheta Lecture 2026 on September 1, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Educational Media Center (EMC), carrying the theme “College of Theology @ 100: Shaping the Future of Pastoral Formation, Theological Education, and Ministry.”
The program opened with a prayer led by Rev. Adiel Nathan Caspe, followed by the launching of the College of Theology’s 100th year led by Dean Dr. Milanie C. Arandela.
Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications and faculty member of the College of Theology, presented the history of the College in relation to its centennial celebration.
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered the opening remarks, while Assoc. Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Chairperson of the Department of Religion and Ethics, served as master of ceremonies.
Rev. Rodmar Lilla, faculty member of the College of Theology, introduced the guest speaker, Faustino M. Cruz, MDiv, PhD, who delivered his lecture titled “That You May Live: Renewing Our Pastoral Vocation to Teach and Lead.”
Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, delivers his welcoming message, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and expressing his support for the College of Theology’s centennial celebration.
Cruz is a teaching scholar, pastoral leader, and administrator who has held various academic and pastoral leadership positions, including at Fordham University, Seattle University, and the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union.
In his lecture, Cruz emphasized the importance of celebrating the centennial through anamnesis or remembering where the institution came from. He also underscored the need to connect what is learned in theological education with its practical application in ministry.
He challenged participants to explore ways to put into practice what they learned from one another and to share their visions for the CPU College of Theology and their congregations 50 or 100 years from now.
Cruz also encouraged participants to mentor future pastoral leaders, emphasizing that one of the valuable contributions they can offer is to prepare their successors and discern with those who may feel called to serve.
Dr. Faustino M. Cruz, MDiv, PhD, delivers his lecture on renewing the pastoral vocation to teach and lead.
The morning session concluded with a photo opportunity and fellowship lunch.
The afternoon program began with songs of praise led by student pastors, followed by an introduction to the activity and the formation of groups, each identified through flaglets and assigned group names.
Led by Cruz, participants individually responded to questions concerning common pastoral challenges and shared their reflections with their respective groups. Sticky notes were also used as part of the activity, with participants placing their responses on a whiteboard.
Cruz then asked participants to reflect on the question, “What struck your heart for today’s activity?” allowing them to share key insights from the discussions and activities.
The event concluded with the Ancheta Lecture Closing Rite, followed by the presentation of a certificate to Cruz, assisted by Dean Arandela. The celebration formally ended with a closing song and benediction led by Rev. Dr. Jalando-on.