october medal

{This is a little speech for the October Medal Blessing. Some of the points here are from a homily given by Fr. Tito Caluag, SJ some years before.}

October Medal Blessing
1 October 2007

Ateneo de Iloilo

St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, was a devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His first act after his conversion was to offer his sword signifying his offering of self to Our Lady of Montserrat.

Mary is the patroness of the Ateneo de Iloilo. During the month of October, which is dedicated to the most Holy Rosary, the month of Mary, Ateneans, with their deep and tender devotion to the Mother of God, have a long-standing tradition of not only carrying the rosary in their pockets, but also wearing the blue-ribboned October medal. The image of the miraculous medal pinned on their chests ever reminds them of their prayer: “Mary for you, for your white and blue. We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true, we pray you’ll keep us Mary faithful to you.”

The tradition of wearing the October Medal begun as the Ateneo moved from old Padre Faura to Loyola Heights campus in the early 50’s.

When we wear the Medal of Mary we proclaim that we are Ateneans: sons of God, sons of Ignatius, sons of Mary. “Mary, place us with your Son.”