THOMASIANS must channel the “unyielding spirit” of Olympians as they take on the mission of spreading truth and knowledge, UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. said as UST unveiled its Olympics-inspired Paskuhan decorations on Friday.
In the Mass before the lighting ceremony, Coronel emphasized that the Olympics represent not only tales of the victory, but stories of those who had the courage to persevere despite trials as well.
Citing the story of Olympian runner John Aquari, who, despite an injury, completed the 1968 Olympic marathon, Coronel urged Thomasians to show the same commitment in every endeavor.
“Just as athletes strive for consistent excellence, our Thomasian community exemplifies the same spirit across various disciplines,” Coronel said during the Mass at the Plaza Mayor.
“Whether as a top-performing school in licensure exams, a trusted training ground for young professionals, an institution dispelling ignorance through research, and catalysts for change through innovation, we spread the light of truth and knowledge,” he added.
In doing this, Thomasians must never forget the light of the world — Jesus — who “sustains and guides us with every step we take.”
“Let us remember that Jesus invites us not only to start the race of faith but to finish it with gratitude and hope, making us ever thankful, ever hopeful,” Coronel said, citing this year’s Paskuhan theme.
“Let the lights we see tonight be a reflection of the guiding light of Christ in our hearts — a light that inspires us to run the race of life with endurance and love until we reach the finish line of eternal joy with Him.”
This year, UST’s Christmas decorations take inspiration from Olympic equipment and design, with the lighting ceremony graced by two-time Olympian and Thomasian athlete EJ Obiena.
UST Facilities Management Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. explained that the Olympics was chosen as the theme for the decorations because, like the birth of Jesus, it serves as a “global symbol of hope and solidarity.”
Torches resembling the Olympic cauldron were installed around the Benavides statue, while Christmas lights in the shape of gymnastics, pole vaulting, and weightlifting equipment were displayed across the campus.
“In our world right now that is being ravaged by different forms of distress and division, the Olympics brings together countries that may be at odds with each other. Stories of athletes’ perseverance bring hope to many,” Austria said. Ella Mae A. Sison with reports from Sydney Venice V. Berba
