By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol

In commitment to provide holistic spiritual development, Far Eastern University (FEU) Campus Ministry temporarily closed its chapel for maintenance and repairs, making the Adoration Chapel available for the FEU community last February 26.

The closure is expected to last for approximately three weeks, possibly extending until the Holy Week.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Campus Minister Gladys Trinidad shared details about the current repairs of the chapel.

“The chapel is closed because mag i-install tayo ng newly purchased sound system kasi ‘yung ating sound system is not good na… And also, repairments of the pews. Kailangan na rin ‘yun maayos kasi some of them are not working na rin (The chapel is closed because we will install a newly purchased sound system since our current sound system is not good anymore... And also, repairments of the pews. That needs to be fixed as well because some of them are not working anymore),” Trinidad said.

Alternative arrangements have been made to accommodate the spiritual needs of the FEU community, with daily masses being relocated to the FEU Campus Ministry Hall situated at the back of the chapel. 

The Adoration Chapel was reopened for prayer and meditation sessions from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Monday to Saturday.

Trinidad also expressed concern that some members of the FEU community were not adequately informed about the closure.

“As of now, when I go through the messages of the account of the Campus Ministry they all ask why the chapel is closed. I think most of them are not yet informed,” she shared. 

Further, the Campus Minister highlighted the reopening of the Adoration Chapel, which had been closed for an extended period due to maintenance issues. 

“It’s a good thing din na close ’yung chapel because they refurbished ‘yung adoration chapel and also this temporary chapel (It’s also a good thing that the chapel closed because they refurbished both the Adoration Chapel and also this temporary chapel),” she added.

Regarding the reopening of the Adoration Chapel, Trinidad explained the need for proper management to ensure its accessibility and sanctity. 

“I had a feedback then na noong na-open daw kasi, usually ‘di ba kapag Adoration Chapel, tinatanggal natin ‘yung footwear. Some siguro did not know and they just enter na lang with their footwears. May signage actually, but maliit lang. Hindi siya nababasa agad (I received feedback that when the Adoration Chapel was opened, typically, footwear is removed. Some may not have been aware and entered with their footwear on. There's signage, but it’s small),” she said. 

Measures such as larger signage, mats at the entrance, and reminders for visitors to maintain silence and reverence will also be implemented.

The Campus Ministry has prepared alternative arrangements for activities during the closure period, including the traditional Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross observed during Lent, which is set to commence on March 8.

Through collaborative efforts with the Archdiocese of Manila and other educational institutions, the ministry aims to provide holistic spiritual development for the FEU community.

The FEU Campus Ministry Office is also seeking volunteers to support various initiatives including roles such as lector-commentators or choir members, as well as extending to social media management and leadership training.