OUTGOING UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. urged the faithful to have a sense of fulfillment in welcoming the new year, and use lessons learned from the past year for personal growth.
“[W]e should not focus on the mistakes of the past, [but rather] on the chance to discover what matters the most in our lives. We should not also ask ourselves whether He is there or not. The question is, are we with Him?,” Dagohoy said in his homily during the Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Dec. 31 at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church.
The two-term Rector, echoing Pope Francis, reminded the faithful to not be discouraged about what happened in the past, but rather look at them to track progress.
“We are not just simply remembering anything. Our memories are selective and sometimes oppressive. [W]e remember those experiences such as losses and headaches,” he said.
He urged the faithful to turn to the Blessed Mother’s guidance in welcoming the new year.
“The Church looks at Mary, the mother of God, as a guiding light, and her eagerness shows how we should welcome the new year [for she] never remained in one place. She is always in a journey because the Christian life is a pilgrimage,” Dahogoy said.
Dagohoy also reminded the faithful to have faith, hope and love for this new year.
“[Have] faith that makes everything possible, hope that makes everything work and love that makes everything meaningful.”
Catholics should have a strong biblical memory, which remembers “by brilliance and praise” the graciousness of God and His unfailing person, to fully grasp the blessings in their lives, he added.
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, is a holy day of obligation celebrated every Jan.1. with reports from the Varsitarian Witness Team and John Jeffrey Rañoa
