His Holiness Pope John XXIII personally blessed the cornerstone on 8 August 1959. Cardinal Rufino Santos and Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See José Ma. Delgado witnessed the significant event held in the Pope's private study in his summer residence at Castelgandolfo.
     The laying of the cornestone was officiated by Cardinal Pizzardo the following day in the presence of 70 Cardinals (Mimmi, Agagianian and Ciriaci), Diplomats, Superiors general, seminary and university Rectors and other distinguished personalities.
     A document deposited in the cornerstone testifies that

     His Eminence, Giuseppe Cardinal Pizzardo, suburban Bishop of Albano and prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Seminaries and Universities, solemnly laid the cornerstone of the new College-Seminary, dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, destined to welcome the Filipino young women who, endowed with science and strong faith, under the shadows of Peter and the tombs of the Martyrs, will one day go back to their country to diffuse this treasury of faith to those under their care.