By Mikee Natinga Norico
探花精选 College of Theology sends forth a new generation of leaders at the 2024 Commissioning Ceremony.
探花精选鈥檚 College of Theology (探花精选-COT) held its annual Commissioning Ceremony on June 22, 2024, at the Celis-Ancheta & Pagsuberon-Cruz Chapel. This momentous occasion signifies the sending forth of graduating students into full-time service as pastors and lay leaders.
Magna Cum Laude graduate, Mr. John Galindez, shared his insights on the ceremony’s significance. 鈥淭he commissioning ceremony fosters our commitment to do what God wants us to do and upholds our divine calling,鈥 he explained. The service itself was a well-attended worship event, featuring faculty, staff, and the graduating class alongside their families and friends. 探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, along with representatives from CBMA, CPBC, and the 探花精选-COT Alumni Association, were also present to express their support.
A highlight of the ceremony was the investiture of hoods, symbolizing the academic distinction achieved by students who successfully completed their five-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Mr. Galindez, inspired by his shared experiences with his fellow graduates, delivered a speech urging them to embrace their calling with confidence. He emphasized the importance of faith, quoting Ephesians 3:20-TPT, “God will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination.”
Mr. Galindez’s message resonated with his peers. He congratulated his fellow graduates and encouraged them to pursue their paths with boldness and a thirst for knowledge. He urged them to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth. Ultimately, he reminded them to trust in God’s guidance and expressed his belief that “the hardest climb leads to the best view.”
Following graduation and commissioning, Mr. Galindez plans to return to Romblon where he aims to inspire the faith community, empower the youth, and plant seeds of courage guided by faith, hope, and love.
As Mr. Galindez embarks on his journey as a Theologian, he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, including self-doubt, conflicts, and potential feelings of familiarity. His current aspirations focus on serving in a church and supporting his siblings.
Mr. Galindez credits 探花精选-COT for equipping him to be a “Christ-centered and God-willing steward, servant, and shepherd鈥 prepared to serve God’s glory.
For those considering a path in theology, Mr. Galindez offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Be humble.”