Saint Mary’s University (SMU) commemorated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with a Eucharistic Celebration on August 11, 2026. The 8:30 AM Mass was held at the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel. Sponsored by the School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS), the Mass was anchored on the theme, “Honoring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.” This Eucharistic Celebration is held annually by the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC). The celebration aligns directly with SMU’s core advocacy for Indigenous Peoples, serving as an institutional platform through which CEIPSC promotes cultural preservation, champions Indigenous rights, and integrates community-based development.  

In his homily, University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Nemesio F. Huesca, CICM, challenged the Marian community to move beyond token appreciation and actively defend the fundamental rights and rich heritage of Indigenous Peoples. Grounded in the CICM missionary mandate of solidarity and social justice, Fr. Huesca emphasized that respecting Indigenous communities requires standing against systemic marginalization and environmental displacement. He called upon students, faculty, and administrative staff to adopt cultural sensitivity in their academic pursuits and daily lives, acting as vocal allies who uplift the dignity and self-determination of indigenous cultural communities.

Amplifying the celebration’s theme, SHANS faculty sharer Mrs. Thelma Delos Reyes delivered a reflection focused on maternal healthcare, human dignity, and community resilience. Mrs. Delos Reyes highlighted the intrinsic value of women’s health and brought attention to the crucial, yet frequently understated, role of indigenous midwives in rural and ancestral communities. She emphasized that these traditional care providers are far more than birth attendants; they are vital healthcare leaders, guardians of ancestral wisdom, and foundational figures who protect maternal life and shape the health of future generations.

The liturgy was enriched by the active involvement of Marian students. Members of the Chorale provided solemn, uplifting liturgical music, while student representatives led the offertory procession by bringing forward symbolic gifts alongside the Eucharistic elements. Their participation reflected the deep youth engagement on campus toward honoring cultural identity and fostering unity. Through this annual gathering, SMU reaffirms its commitment to educating future leaders who value social inclusion and honor the heritage of Indigenous Peoples.