The blessing of the College was held amid a refreshing downpour which made Pope John XXIII quote the Song of Songs (8:7): "aquae multae non poterunt extinguere caritatem" ("deep waters cannot quench love"). The Holy Father affirmed the important role and mission of the College:

     This Pontifical Seminary therefore is both a Roman and Philippine College; for here, that is, near the Chair of Peter and the summit of the Church, your young ones divinely called to take on sacred functions, will draw faith and science from the genuine and rich font. Fully imbued with this they shall return to their people as beloved heralds of truth. That is why these buildings destined for the formation of your students of sacred sciences will be like channels by which the catholic life will be promoted among you and the bond by which the Philippines, a Nation so very dear to us, will more intensely be linked with the supreme magisterium of the Church.

     At the culmination of the inauguration, Pope John XXIII gave to Collegio a white stole - the insignia of the office of the Rector - and three commemorative coins - gold, silver and bronze - of his pontificate.
     Since then, the white stole and the three coins have been quite witnesses to the long, interesting history of Collegio Filippino. The more than forty years of its existence reflect the united efforts of the Philippine clergy and laity to turn love into action: a gift of grace and a blessing especially for those who are far from home yet needing the warmth and welcome only home can give.