UST RECTOR Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. has urged Thomasians to use their pandemic experiences to become more worthy presents to Jesus and to enhance ties within their community.
In his speech for the opening of Paskuhan, Ang noted that the two-year lockdown intensified the desire of Thomasians to return to campus. He said this year’s theme of “Pananabik, Pagbabalik, Panunumbalik” should guide Thomasians in terms of strengthening relationships.
“Ang mga bitak at pira-pirasong bahagi ng ating pagkatao 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 (The cracks and broken pieces of our humanity brought about by terrible experiences during the pandemic should be restored, polished and renewed so we can be a more worthy present to the Holy Child),” the rector said on Friday, Dec. 2.
“Ang higit na dalawang taong lockdown ay naging balakid sa ating personal na ugnayan sa isa’t isa, subalit ito rin ang naging dahilan kung bakit mas umigting ang ating pagbabalik na makabalik dito sa UST (The more than two years of lockdown became a roadblock to our personal relationships but it is also the reason why our desire to return to UST has become stronger),” he added.
The Paskuhan season kicked off with the Agape, which gathered members of the Thomasian community as one family sharing free food.
Another highlight of the opening ceremony was the opening of Christmas lights, which coincided a cultural performance and the singing of the Rocksteddy hit “Superhero” and Kamikaze’s “Narda.” The songs were in line with the “Superhero” theme of the Christmas decorations that aim to honor COVID-19 frontliners.
Capping the event was a fireworks display on top of the Main Building and a concert by the UST Conservatory of Music.
Paskuhan 2022 will be the first onsite Thomasian Christmas celebration in two years. F – P. R. Sabado
