THANKS to the Paskuhan celebration, UST can be the happiest place in the world in December, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said on Friday.
Ang, in his homily for the Paskuhan Mass, said every Christmas season brought with it a “celebratory atmosphere” as the “campus is filled with lights and sound, music and magic.”
“There is a celebratory atmosphere all around and UST can be the happiest place in this part of the world. Lahat ng nakakasalubong, nakangiti. Lahat ng nakakausap, bumabati. Ang madilim na ulap, nahahawi,” Ang said.
“‘Ber’ months pa lang, nagpaparamdam at sumisilip na si Jose Mari Chan…We Filipinos, we delight ourselves with the longest Christmas celebration in the world, making us the most joyful people on Earth,” he added.
Ang urged Thomasians to reflect on the theme of Paskuhan 2022, “Pagbabalik, Pananabik, Panunumbalik.”
“Maganda ang pagtatagpi-tagpi at pagtutugma ng mga salita sa tema ng ating Paskuhan na parang isang tula, but this is not a wordplay to amuse you. Our theme is rich with meanings,” he said.
Pagbabalik
Ang said this Paskuhan rites were special as they marked the return of UST’s Christmas traditions, especially the pyromusical show.
“Ang fireworks display sa gabi sa Dec. 19, makapagbibigay ito ng kulay sa ating muling pagsasama-sama bilang isang pamilya, bilang isang komunidad. You discover that something or someone is very special to you when the holidays just don’t seem fit and right without them,” he said.
“Nagbabalik ang pananampalataya, ang pag-asa, at ang buhay dala ng liwanag ng Pasko. Panahon din ito ng pagbabalik loob sa ating Diyos,” he added.
Pananabik
Ang said this year’s Paskuhan should also be filled with excitement as Thomasians reunite with their friends and loved ones on campus.
“Nananabik tayong makasama ang mga taong mahalaga para sa atin. We want their company and we yearn for their camaraderie. These are precious moments of friends and family reuniting this time of the year,” he said.
However, Ang said Christmas should also be a time when Catholics look forward to be closer to Christ.
“Ang kapaskuhan ay pagpapahayag din ng ating pananabik na mahanap at makita and Diyos…It is God who will quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger. That is why Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,’” he said.
Panunumbalik
Ang said Christmas should also be a time for reflection.
“Matatapos na ang taon, at magsisimula ang bagong taon. Kung tayo’y magbabalik-tanaw, maraming nangyari sa buhay natin sa loob ng dalawang taon,” he said.
As he ended his homily, Ang urged Thomasians to transform for the better with the help of Christ.
“Let us then allow the grace of Christmas time to make us a better version of ourselves…Ito ang ating muling pagbangon. Ito ang ating pagbabago ng anyo. Ang panunumbalik na kaloob ng Diyos ay handog ng sanggol na pinanganak sa belen. Mapayapa ang panahon, maliwanag ang kinabukasan. Maligayang Pasko po, at manigong bagong taon,” he said.
The Paskuhan celebration will culminate with the grand Paskuhan concert on Dec. 19 at the Plaza Mayor. Allyssa Mae C. Cruz and Niña Angelica M. Rodriguez
