FOR THE first time, UST’s Paskuhan festivities will be celebrated across multiple campuses, as the General Santos (GenSan) and Santa Rosa campuses join in marking the start of the Thomasian Christmas tradition with simultaneous lighting ceremonies on Nov. 29.
During an information session on Paskuhan 2024 held on Nov. 27, UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. noted the significance of “sharing the light” as part of the Thomasian tradition.
“An advent is about waiting, but we are not waiting in vain because the Lord is with us while we are still waiting. And, what a wonderful way to celebrate this waiting, this advent, with the opening of the lights,” Coronel said.
“‘Yang lights natin, that is part of our tradition as Thomasians because the mission of the University is to share the light – lumina pandit,” he added. “In our Christian tradition, the Lord is the light Himself, and we will be giving that light to everyone.”
The month-long Paskuhan celebration will officially open with the lighting of Christmas decorations at the Manila and GenSan campuses on Nov. 29. A separate lighting ceremony is planned at UST Sta. Rosa before Dec. 13.
“Pag nagsama-sama lang ang mga Tomasino, masaya na iyon, lalo pa kung may mga activities. Pero when we share the love to everyone, that is really a great thing,” Coronel added.
Decorations installed in the Manila campus, most prominently beside the Arch of the Centuries and along Plaza Mayor, resemble equipment used in various sports such as weight lifting, pole vault, and athletics.
Torches around the Benavides statue appear to be Olympic cauldrons.
This year’s Paskuhan theme, “Ever Thankful, Ever Hopeful,” takes inspiration from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”
READ: What’s the theme of Paskuhan 2024? Sec Gen explains
Coronel urged Thomasians to deepen their love for God and express gratitude during this season.
“Our theme is ‘Paskuhan 2024: Ever Thankful, Ever Joyful’ so that we may contemplate on the grace that we are receiving. We’ll be thanking God, and of course, we will be hopeful at the same time,” he said.
“Paskuhan is a time for Thomasians to be in love with the Lord and continue thanking Him and to be hopeful.”
