02/08/2025
𝐂𝐎𝐍'𝐬 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞-𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲
Written by: Stephanie Nicole Wenceslao | BSN 1
August 2, 2025 — With solemn hearts and hopeful spirits, the College of Nursing of St. Bartolome Braga held its 19th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony, in Mother Francisca Hall, a symbolic rite of passage that marks the transition of Level 2 nursing students from learners to future healthcare professionals.
The event commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration led by Rev. Fr. Arnold Layoc, reminding the candidates that nursing is not just a career but a mission of love and service. The Gospel reading from Matthew 14:1-12 echoed the values of faith, sacrifice, and calling. During the blessing of caps and pins, emphasis was placed on how these symbols represent not just achievement, but a prayer — asking for guidance, wisdom, and purpose as students step into their role as healers. As Fr. Arnold's parting words, he charged the students to be 'an angel of intervention, Agent of transformation, Agent of love,' a mission that will guide them in their journey as future healthcare professionals.
The symbolic entrance of the candidates was followed by the entrance of the College of Nursing faculty, the Dean, OP Siena Sisters, and the administration. The National Anthem was sung with pride before Mrs. Melissa G. Pastrano, Dean of the Service Education Department, gave her welcoming remarks. She highlighted the deeper meaning of this ceremony, underscoring that students are not just trained with knowledge but shaped with empathy, authority, and humility — the essence of true servant-leadership.
Dr. Josmar E. Espiritu introduced the guest speaker, Ms. Michelle G. Condado, RN, MAN, CQI-ISO Audit Unit Manager Former Assistant Nursing Director Binangonan Lakeview Hospital SCT CON Alumni Batch 2008 and a proud nurse herself. In her inspirational talk, she reminded students that nursing is not merely a profession, but a vocation and lifelong mission. She shared her personal struggles as a student — long commutes, fatigue, moments of doubt — yet never did she regret choosing the path of nursing.
She described nursing as both messy and miraculous — from wiping patients with compassion to wearing muddy shoes with humility. “We are not just called to be good nurses, but good people,” she emphasized. The pinning and capping, she added, symbolize commitment, courage, and compassion — values essential to becoming an angel of intervention and an agent of transformation.
Her advice to the candidates was heartfelt:
1. Never stop learning - means continuing to acquire knowledge, skills, and understanding throughout your life.
2. Treat every patient with dignity - whenever they are rich or poor and even they are good to you or not.
3.Build relationships - communicate and collaborate to others.
4.Take care of yourself- means giving yourself permission to rest when you're tired, nourish your body when you're hungry, and prioritize your well-being in all aspects.
5. Hold on to your why - means to remember and stay focused on the underlying purpose, reason, or motivation that drives you to do something.
She ended by thanking the parents and guardians, whose sacrifices made this milestone possible.
Dean Francis Jay H. Ramos formally presented the 60 candidates to Sr. Rosalea G. Busilac, O.P., President, followed by the symbolic entrance of Florence Nightingale, led by Ms. Gellica Anne N. Naval RN Florence Nightingale Awardee Batch 2023. The imposition of caps and pins and candle lighting took place, a moment filled with reflection and commitment. Aliyah Rizel Felipe (BSN2) then led the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, a sacred promise to uphold integrity and compassion in nursing.
The hall echoed with emotion as the students sang the Capping Song “One Step at a Time” and their batch song “This is Me,” affirming their uniqueness and readiness to serve.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Francis Jay Ramos RN, MAN, PhD College of Nursing Dean reminded the candidates: “Wear your caps and pins with great and pride. Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.” echoing the wisdom of St. Catherine of Siena. He emphasized that this ceremony is not the end, but the beginning of a life lived in service and healing, guided by the legacy of nursing.
The event ended with the singing of the Siena Hymn and a moment of gratitude to the professors, deans, families, and everyone who journeyed with the students. Indeed, this was not just a celebration — it was a declaration of purpose, a promise to heal with heart.
