THE CENTER for Campus Ministry (CCM) urged the Thomasian community to respond to God’s call to help the poor as the University held its first onsite Panunuluyan since the pandemic began.
CCM supervisor Albert Loteyro told the Varsitarian the re-enactment of the Nativity was meant to instill the values of Thomasian formation among students and extend support to marginalized sectors.
“After all, Paskuhan centers on the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Panunuluyan is important to us because, as a Catholic University, we join the entire Universal Church in celebrating the story of the Nativity,” Loteyro said.
“Panunuluyan is an opportunity to enkindle our faith in God, welcome him in our hearts, and respond to his call to help the poor,” he added.
The CCM official encouraged Thomasians to participate in the UST Simbahayan Community Development’s outreach programs.
“It is not the performance of the actors of the Panunuluyan that we look forward to, but rather the message of hope, Christ our Savior, our hope,” Loteyro said.
Returning home
Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said the pandemic became an obstacle but strengthened the bond among Thomasians.
“[I]to […] ang dahilan kung bakit mas umigting ang ating pananabik na makabalik dito sa UST upang magampanan ang ating tungkulin at makapiling ang ating mga kasamang itinuturing nating mga kapamilya,” Ang said at the ceremonial lighting of Christmas decorations on Friday, Dec. 2.
The return of onsite activities, the rector said, also gave an intricate understanding of the University’s values to overcome the pandemic as one community.
“Dulot ng ating hindi magandang karanasan sa pandemya ay muling bubuuin, pakikinisin at paninibaguhin upang tayo’y higit na maging karapat-dapat na handog sa Banal na Sanggol,” Ang said.
The Paskuhan Mass will be held on Dec. 16 before the grand concert on Dec. 19. Allyssa Mae C. Cruz
