UST VICE Rector for Finance Fr. Roberto Luanzon, Jr., O.P. called on Thomasians to cherish God and their families and enjoy their stay at the University during the Eucharistic celebration that kickstarted the in-person “homecoming” events for sophomores and juniors on Aug. 23.
In his homily, Luanzon said students should not be afraid to seek God and be dependent on their family for support as they brave through life’s challenges.
“Alam naman natin sa buhay natin madaming ups and downs, maraming challenges, especially nung time na nag-umpisa kayo ng college. Lahat online. Lahat nag-aadjust. Hindi lang kayo pati ang mga professors nag-adjust din,” Luanzon said.
“We were able to persevere; we were able to overcome everything because of our own capacities, but more so of other people who are always there for us: our family, our own friends and relatives, and, of course, our God,” he added.
Luanzon said Thomasians should be grateful for these “treasures” as they reach their aspirations.
“Kung anong ma-achieve nating treasure sa buhay natin, hindi lang dahil sa ating sarili. We all achieved that one because there are also other people who help us to achieve the treasures and achievements we have in our life… Kailangan natin ang ibang tao at kailangan natin ang Diyos para ma-achieve natin yung mga treasures and achievement natin sa buhay natin,” he said.
The vice rector also urged students to cherish their stay in UST and discover more “treasures” in the forms of people, events and even structures.
But of all of life’s treasures, God is the “greatest treasure” that should be given importance the most, Luanzon said.
“You also give importance to God dahil alam natin ‘yon talaga ang greatest treasure, our relationship with God, how we give importance to God in their lives,” he said.
Luanzon delivered his homily to sophomores and juniors of the College of Architecture, the College of Fine Arts and Design, the Faculty of Engineering, the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Faculty of Pharmacy, and the Conservatory of Music, who comprised the first batch of Thomasians in the Homecoming Rites.
The traditional in-person ROARientation and Welcome Walk followed the mass, which the second and third-year students previously missed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Two more batches of Homecoming Rites will be conducted at 12 noon and 4 p.m.
