In the hustle and bustle of our daily school routine, it’s easy to overlook the quiet, yet
essential, part of our school campus—the chapel. A peaceful place where anyone can reflect
and pray, the chapel is a cornerstone of SMIS. But what makes this sacred space so integral
to our school, and why does it continue to play such an important role in our lives?
For more than 8 years, Father Danilo has been the school’s campus minister. Every
day he would come to school at 7am in the morning and begin the day with a short
prayer. At 7:30, he would celebrate the Holy Mass with the SMIS community in the
school chapel.
After graduating university, Father Danilo joined a religious order that has over 400
years of history in establishing schools worldwide. The religious order he joined was
dedicated to providing education to children and youth. Father Danilo was sent by
his religious order to St Mary and has been the campus minister ever since. Outside
of St Mary, he assists in parishes within the Archdiocese of Tokyo and the Diocese of
Yokohama where he celebrates the Holy Mass in Japanese, English and Tagalog
(national language of the Philippines).
“The chapel holds a special place in Catholic schools” Father Danilo says, “Think of
the chapel as the heart of the school. Just as how the heart is vital for the body to
live, the chapel is an integral part for the school to thrive as a Catholic community.”
Furthermore, Father Danilo describes how the chapel and Holy Mass help us reflect
on the teachings of the Lord. It encourages us to practice the values of love,
kindness, and faith in our daily lives.
The chapel is not just for celebrating the Holy Mass. It is open to anyone seeking
peace or guidance. Father Danilo welcomes students, their families, as well as
teachers and staff to visit the chapel whenever they need someone to listen to their
stories. They can share their joys, sorrows or concerns and Father Danilo will pray
for them.
During the pandemic, Father Danilo observed many students visiting the chapel for
Holy Mass. Unfortunately, fewer students go to the chapel these days. Father Danilo
encourages everyone to start their day by participating in the daily mass at 7:30 in
the morning. Students and teachers can visit the chapel anytime they need a
moment of quiet reflection or prayer.
