ACTIONS build strength, sustain hope, and lead athletes to victory, said Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz, Jr. O.P., during Mass for the opening of the UAAP Season 88 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 19.
In his homily, the prior provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines emphasized the UAAP season’s theme, “Strength in motion, hope in action,” as he urged athletes to embrace a life of virtue through their actions.
“Actions shape us. [They] define us. So from action, hinuhubog ka niya until it becomes a virtue, it develops your character, it shapes who you are, it prepares you for the future,” Dela Cruz told hundreds of UAAP athletes, coaches, and students.
Dela Cruz urged the delegates to develop a virtuous life by doing good things repeatedly until they become a virtue.
“And it is in this virtue that action builds strength. If you develop virtue repeatedly, you do not just become stronger; even your disposition gets better and better,” he said in Filipino.
The Dominican provincial said virtues orient and dispose people to God, and show the way to Christ.
Dela Cruz reminded the athletes that victory is not just about winning the competitions, saying the real fight is overcoming personal struggles.
He recognized the “battles” student-athletes face, including being away from home, managing personal problems, dealing with failure, or struggling with mental health.
“To our athletes, you will undergo so many things. [But], draw strength and hope from the Lord in every undertaking you have,” he said.
Dela Cruz said the opening Mass aims to gather everyone together, not as opponents, but as brothers and sisters.
“Nagtipon tayo, and in this space, there is no competition, only communion. Sa sandaling ito, hindi tayo makakaaway, hindi tayo magkakalaban.”
The Mass was concelebrated by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., and Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., regent of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.
