CEACAL Meet 2018

“Wholeness is Holiness: Mens sana in corpore sano”. This was the theme of the recently held CEACAL Meet, an event where student-athletes from the different Catholic School of Caceres and Libmanan meet for sports and cultural activities. Held every two years, the 2018 CECAL Meet, took inspiration from the overall theme of the Church’s activities for 2018: ‘Sanctificatio-Holiness’. The theme expresses the reality that a fundamental quality of sanctity is wholeness, that is, being integrated, developing the different and multiple talents given by God -whether in academic, sports, music or the arts, etc. Sanctity also means striving towards wholeness -from brokenness to wholeness. The path to wholeness requires humility, self-discipline, self-control, boldness, and creativity. The path of the athlete and the saint aren’t vey much different. The general theme is further explained by the Latin saying: “Mens sana in corpore sano” (A healthy mind in a healthy body). The integration of mind, body and spirit is a path to holiness. This is reminiscent of St. Irenaeus quote: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” The CEACAL meet was participated in by 1,201 student-athletes accompanied by their coaches and school heads. The Opening Mass was held at the newly-built Frassati Gymnasium of the Universidad de Santa Isabel (USI), which was immediately followed by the Opening Ceremonies at the USI Paranymphus with Fr. Francis Francisco as the Inspirational Speaker. Fr. Francisco is himself an athlete. The games, which included Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Football, and Chess were held at the different Catholic Schools in Naga, namely: Naga Parochial School, Universidad de Santa Isabel, St. Joseph School, Ateneo de Naga University Pacol Campus, and the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. Besides the games, there were also Vocal Solo/Duet Contests and a Bible Quiz. Delegations which needed overnight accommodations were billeted at the Naga Parochial School. Of the 6 CEACAL Meets, the 2018 Meet had the highest number of participants. The said Meet was also a preparation for the BACS Meet which will be held in Legazpi, Albay sometime in November.