In Her Own Words, and Now… IN HISTORY.
In the August edition of Assumpta, we introduced our readers to Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, r.a., Ph.D., through her own heartfelt reflections—an intimate glimpse into her vision as the new President of Assumption College San Lorenzo (read it here).
Anchored in Hope: The Investiture of Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, r.a., Ph.D. – 11th President of Assumption College
On 28 August 2025, the Assumption College community gathered in unity and thanksgiving for the Investiture of Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, r.a., Ph.D., formally installing her as the 11th President of Assumption College.
The occasion was all the more meaningful as it coincided with the Memorial of St. Augustine—whose teachings on love, conversion, and truth became a spiritual lens through which the day was celebrated.
Msgr. Pedro Gerardo “Gerry” Santos, who presided over the Mass, reflected on Augustine’s life as a witness to the transformative power of grace and servant leadership, ideals that now frame Sr. Irene’s mission. Monsignor Gerry reiterated the purpose of Catholic education: To form saints, to promote dignity & rights, and to inculcate transformative education, based on Catholic Social teaching.
A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition and Community
The Investiture unfolded with solemnity and joy, beginning with the Entrance of Colors, the Philippine National Anthem, and a Salutatory Address from Sr. Marie Emmanuel Melocoton, r.a., who described Sister Irene’s public act of obedience as “an act of faith and commitment in the service of the Church and the congregation.”
During the Invocation, our very own Ms. Ma. Lourdes Margarita “Dette” De La Fuente Aruego, President of the Assumption Alumnae Association,
prayed: “May we, as one Assumption family, accompany Sister Irene in her mission, praying with her and for her so that together we may build God’s kingdom here and now.”
From there, the voices of the community came forward, offering words of support, love, and encouragement:
“This moment holds the hopes of our community, built on the work of those before us and held now with deep joy and anticipation.” — Ms. Pauline Mary Paz “Pudgy” Carcereny Garcia (representing the Alumnae).
We are journeying with you… we commit to walking alongside you with unwavering hope and care.” — Sabine Magsanoc (representing the Basic Education students)
“May your vision and guidance continue to inspire us to become women of faith and action.” — Jyde Pilapil (representing the Higher Education students)
“Please know you have our prayers, our partnership, our trust, as you lead us into this new chapter.” — Dr. Ma. Margarita Ladrido (representing the Higher Education Faculty)
“Sister Irene has a very clear moral compass, something we need badly in these times.” — Ms. Mary Ann Eala (representing the Basic Education Faculty)
“May your leadership be a light that nurtures growth in every corner of Assumption College.” — Sr. Estela Marie Roceles, r.a.
Even the broader mission of Assumption College was brought to the fore. As Sr. Vicenta Javier reminded, the gathering was “a microcosm of our Philippine society,” where the challenge is not only for the College but for the nation—to embrace conversion to mission.
The AC Chorale’s stirring rendition of “The Prayer of St. Francis” and Benny Soliven’s reflection on Augustine’s “The Nature of the Two Cities” deepened the spiritual resonance of the event.
Ms. Maria Luz “Marlu” Balmaceda, Chair of the Board of Trustees, announced that the Board had unanimously approved Sr. Irene’s appointment during the Assumption College BOT Meeting, which was held last 19 March 2025. This affirms the collective trust placed in her leadership.
Accepting the medallion of office, Sr. Irene spoke with humility and faith:
“Profound gratitude and a humble heart, I stand before you today, deeply honored to be entrusted with the sacred responsibility of serving as the 11th President of Assumption College. I accept the call with deep faith in God, with trust in the power of community, with hope in the wisdom of collaboration, and with gratitude in the blessing that comes from a shared purpose for us. Then everything will be love and everything will be grace. All for Jesus.”
In her Inaugural Address, she invited the Assumption community to embrace education not only for knowledge but for character, purpose, and social renewal. She emphasized collaboration, dialogue, inclusion, and innovation with integrity, while remaining steadfast to the Gospel and to Assumption’s mission.
Watch the event highlights of Sister Irene’s Investiture and her full inaugural address.
A Call to Conversion and Hope
Closing reflections drew once again from St. Augustine’s own conversion—a lifelong process of intellectual awakening, moral transformation, and mission. Speakers urged not just personal, but also national conversion, calling for a response to the moral challenges facing Philippine society: corruption, injustice, and greed.
Through it all, the ceremony was less about titles than about a shared mission. Sr. Irene’s leadership was framed as service: a journey in faith, a call to courage, and an act of communal hope.
The Investiture of Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, r.a., Ph.D. was more than a ceremony. It was a celebration of faith, a renewal of mission, and a promise for the future—one community, anchored in hope, daring to dream God’s dream, with the assurance that “everything will be love and everything will be grace.”