SACRED Theology Dean Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P. reminded Catholics that Christmas should be a celebration of the birth of Christ, not a “consumeristic” holiday devoid of holiness.
Otherwise, the celebration of Christ’s incarnation, the virgin birth and God’s plan of salvation “will slide into extinction,” Aligan said in his homily during the Christmas Eve Mass at the UST Plaza Mayor last Dec. 24.
Aligan said Catholics should have a solid grasp of the Gospel to counter the notion that the meaning of Christmas could only be found in material and extravagant things.
“Ang hirap ng walang alam kasi patuloy ka maghahanap ng tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko,” he said.
The celebration of Christmas should also be more than just “panata” or tradition.
“[T]ogether, with your family and friends, focus on Jesus,” he said.
Aligan, also regent of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, noted that Christmas has a deeper meaning, and encouraged the faithful to create a “Christian atmosphere” during yuletide season.
“May Christmas be a time of reconciliation and peace, healing, giving, sharing and caring in Jesus’s blessed birth,” Aligan said.
Echoing Pope Francis’ words, Aligan called on Christians to continue the practice of displaying the nativity scene, which emphasizes the value of family and humanity, in public places.
The Christmas Eve Mass was concelebrated by outgoing Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy O.P. and Faculty of Engineering Regent Fr. Roberto Luanzon, Jr., O.P. J.P.L. Enriquez
