POVEDA Spirituality Center (SpiCe)
“A DISTINCTIVELY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION”
“Let us educate in a Christian way, seriously, reasonably and solidly.” – St. Pedro Poveda
“In line with Pedro Poveda’s approach and guidelines, the education offered in Teresian Association (TA) centers has an underlying axis: to educate in a Christian way—seriously, reasonably, and solidly—by integrating academic excellence with the educational process and the Christian evangelizing mission.”
(Identity and Mission of Educational Centers of the Teresian Association, p. 18)
As a TA educational center, Saint Pedro Poveda College (POVEDA) aims to form deeply human individuals who serve as agents of social transformation through the educational style and spiritual vision of Saint Pedro Poveda. The mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus—inspires the school’s presence, decisions, actions, and engagement with society.
We believe that Jesus Christ provides the horizon of meaning for human life and moral criteria for social living. With this foundational reference, the Teresian approach to education promotes a Christian-style formation: one that is humanizing, socially engaged, and responsive to the needs of its context.
(Handing on the Faith in a Teresian School, 2011)
The POVEDA Spirituality Center (SpiCe) operates directly under the Office of the President, highlighting the vital role of Christian formation and Teresian spirituality in shaping the school’s identity and mission.
SpiCe is the heart and soul of POVEDA, integrating three key programs of:
These interconnected programs, in partnership with HRMDO, collaborate to accompany and form students and educators toward becoming deeply human persons and agents of social transformation—a hallmark of Teresian education.
These are anchored in the threefold mission of Jesus Christ—prophetic (teaching), priestly (worship), and kingly (service)—as reflected in Catholic formation standards in the Philippines. (Revised CEAP National Christian Formation Manual)
Christian Life Education (CLE) Program
Inspired by St. Pedro Poveda’s conviction that “prayer and study” are essential to our mission, the Christian Life Education (CLE) Program provides opportunities for personal reflection, engagement with Scripture and Church teaching, and the integration of faith in daily life. Grounded in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the CLE Formation Standards are age-appropriate and responsive to students’ lived realities, aiming not just for intellectual assent but for a total commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ.
As a non-academic program, CLE is expressed in the Personal, Social, and Spiritual Growth (PSSG) of students. It nurtures human dignity and identity in Christ, forms them through the apostolate of presence, and provides holistic accompaniment rooted in Gospel values. More than instruction, CLE seeks transformation—helping students grow in faith, compassion, and service, while internalizing the Povedan Core Values in line with the school’s vision of forming persons for all who discern, act, and help transform society.
All subjects are anchored on these CORE Formation Standards:
We hope to form students who:
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are deeply rooted in their identity as children of God,
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manifest a deep sense of Teresian Association spirituality:
Love for the Eucharist – place Christ at the center of their lives,
Love for the Church – show compassion for the poor and marginalized, embracing social responsibility, and living in commitment to the Gospel, and
Love for Mary – imitate her virtues and nurturing Marian devotion.
CAMPUS MINISTRY OFFICE
The Campus Ministry Office (CMO) animates the faith and worship dimension of the POVEDA community, drawing inspiration from the life and writings of St. Pedro Poveda, our patron saint, and the Teresian Spirituality. This Catholic faith community is nurtured through spiritual formations, liturgical celebrations, sacraments, and prayer services.
Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
St. Pedro Poveda said, "Without the Holy Eucharist, you cannot sustain a true spiritual life.” As one of his three great loves, the Eucharist lies at the heart of our faith. At Poveda, we aim to cultivate this devotion in every student and educator. Through Institutional, Class, Recollection, First Friday, and special event Masses, the CMO offers the school community regular opportunities to grow spiritually and deepen their faith.
Prayer Services
At Saint Pedro Poveda College, we uphold St. Pedro Poveda’s teaching that "Prayer is our only strength." For Kinder to Grade 2 students, prayer services are essential in nurturing their spiritual growth and preparing them for the Eucharist. Held during liturgical events, class feast days, and key TA celebrations, these services use stories, songs, and interactive prayers to help young Povedans understand the value of prayer and build a strong spiritual foundation.
Retreats and Recollections
Forming Christ-centered individuals, as envisioned by St. Pedro Poveda, involves intentional spiritual reflection. He once asked, "How many hours have you dedicated to reflecting on yourself?"—a reminder of the value of inner growth. Recollections for PreK to High School students and educators offer space for deepening faith through creative, prayerful activities. Each session is designed to meet participants where they are in their spiritual journey, guiding them with relevance and care.
Sacraments
CONFESSION
In order to assist in the formation of Povedans towards conversion and renewal of faith, the Poveda Spirituality Center offers the Sacrament of Confession to all year levels. Additionally, for educators, Confessions are offered during Advent and Lenten recollections.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION OF GRADE 3 STUDENTS
As a Catholic school, one of the essential features we offer to Povedans is the preparation for this special occasion of receiving Christ for the first time in their journey as budding
Christians, typically in Grade 3.
CONFIRMATION OF GRADE 9 STUDENTS
Grade 9 students prepare for Confirmation with Confession during their recollection. Parents and sponsors attend a required Spiritual Enrichment session.
Celebrations of Marian Feasts
The Teresian Spirituality centers on deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, inspired by St. Pedro Poveda’s love for her. He believed that consecrating ourselves to Mary brings renewal and greater fervor. We honor her through Marian and liturgical celebrations, such as the Holy Rosary and Block Rosary in October. These devotions inspire humility, obedience, and faithfulness, guiding us to live out the virtues of Mary in our daily lives.
Spiritual Enrichment for Parents
Home and school share the goal of educating and nurturing children, which requires strong collaboration. As stated in Identity and Mission of the Educational Centers of the Teresian Association (Poveda, 1914), parental support is essential. The Spiritual Enrichment for Parents (SEP) fosters a Christian community, guiding parents alongside their daughters in the faith. SEP sessions align with the recollection schedule and grade-specific themes, such as First Holy Communion for Grade 3 or Confirmation for Grade 9.
Daily Prayer Guide and Prayer Booklet
The Prayer Guide is a monthly digital resource for educators and high school students, based on the Liturgy of the Hours. It includes the Pope's monthly intention, writings of St. Pedro Poveda, and reflections from TA members. The Prayer Booklet is a digital collection of prayers in English, Filipino, and Spanish, featuring prayers by St. Pedro Poveda and Teresian Association members.
SOCIAL ACTION OFFICE
The SAO translates Teresian Spirituality into action, empowering individuals to address societal issues with dignity, inclusion, and compassion. Its mission is to form Povedans as "Persons for All," promoting values of justice and service within and beyond the school community. Programs follow the Povedan Pastoral Spiral (PPS), inspired by St. Pedro Poveda’s mission to support the marginalized.
POVEDAN Pastoral Spiral
The Povedan Pastoral Spiral (PPS) is a process of reflection and action, particularly in the context of social justice and pastoral work. It is inspired by the SEE-JUDGE-ACT method
endorsed by the Catholic Church. The PPS emphasizes continuous growth in faith, leading to a deeper understanding and broader perspectives on social situations.
Malay Programs
The Malay Program is a progressive formation program from Kinder to Grade 12 that promotes self-awareness, social consciousness, and community engagement. It nurtures respect, compassion, and a commitment to justice and service at every stage of a student’s growth.
The Malay Programs are:
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Malay-Sarili (Kinder to Grade 3): Focuses on self-awareness and relationships with family, friends, and the community.
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Malay-Kapwa (Grades 4 to 6): Develops social consciousness through interactions with the immediate people outside of their family.
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Malay-Lipunan (Grades 7 to 12): Deepens awareness of social, cultural, and economic issues through immersive experiences and community service.
Malay Programs
This program engages the POVEDA community in addressing social and Church concerns through various initiatives:
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Solidarity Week: Celebrated in December to honor St. Pedro Poveda and promote solidarity across the school.
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Pro-Life Week: Held in February to uphold the sanctity of life, including participation in the Walk for Life.
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Living Laudato Si: Promotes care for the environment, especially during the Season of Creation (Sept–Oct).
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Voter’s Education: Encourages responsible citizenship rooted in Gospel values and Church teachings.
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Mass Action: POVEDA joins public actions aligned with the Church’s stance on social issues.
Community Extension Program
This program allows the POVEDA community to share resources and skills with partner communities through meaningful outreach.
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Employees’ Panagpuan: Educators encounter marginalized groups to foster solidarity and Gospel-centered service.
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Victoria Diez Summer Immersion: Volunteers offer their time and talents to TA-assisted communities during summer.
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Support Staff Development: Spiritual and personal formation for maintenance staff, EMTs, and security personnel.
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Kasambahayan Program: Holistic development for childminders and drivers to enhance personal and work skills.
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Elisa Giambelluca Educational Assistance: Provides aid to deserving students while encouraging Povedan student solidarity.
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Outreach Activities:
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Brigada Eskwela – Participation in public school prep.
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Relief Operations (Damayan) – Aid for disaster victims.
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Donations – Support for NGOs and Church initiatives.
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Medical Missions – Health services for partner communities led by PPA.