THE FEAST Day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is celebrated annually at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao every 27th of November. It commemorates the day when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in 1830 and gave her the design for the Miraculous Medal. The medal was originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. However, people who wore it shared their stories of miracles. Later on, it was named as the Miraculous Medal.
These stories of miracles do not differ from PWC’s miracles through the years. The school was founded by PWU Alumni and their families namely Atty. Rosa Santos Munda, Ms. Charito Lizada, the Villa Abrilles, the Robillos, the Monteverdes, the Dizons among others, together with PWU Founders Conrado and Francisca Tirona Benitez.
During the early days of the school’s inception, it faced a lot of problems. Mrs. Benitez decided to bring a statue of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal that she owned from Manila to Davao, to guide and bless the school. After that, the construction of the school’s first building went on smoothly. The school has gone through a lot of trials, but the PWC family’s faith remains strong.
The school held a three-day fiesta to commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The Grade 3 students had their First Communion while the Grade 6 students had their confirmation. There were booths during the three-day Fiesta. Students and some members of the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) sold food items, clothes, and other gift items. A mass was held during the last day of the festivities.
After that, a fashion show featuring festival-inspired outfits. Participants from the Basic Education, Tertiary Department, and the TVET Diploma Program sashayed in their colorful garb. There was a variety of modern Filipiniana gowns and Barong Tagalog. Some participants showcased clothes that represented festivals in Mindanao. It was indeed a sight to behold. To cap the memorable celebration, song and dance numbers were performed by students from the different departments.
It was indeed a true celebration of PWC’s rich history of faith, brilliance, and innovation. Almah C. Bernardino-Bautista and photos by MJ Belenson
