THE TRADITIONAL Paskuhan will highlight Christmas and God as a source of hope for Filipinos “growing weary” of rampant corruption, according to a circular from the UST secretary general.
The lighting of the Manila campus on Nov. 28 will mark the start of the Paskuhan season, which will carry the theme “Light Among Us, Hope Through Us,” the circular dated Nov. 21 said.
“Our nation continues to grapple with corruption, dishonesty, and systems that privilege the powerful over the poor. Many grow weary as truth is distorted and justice delayed. Yet Christmas assures us that God’s light still pierces even the darkest corners of society and the human heart,” the circular read.
“The birth of Christ is both consolation—for He remains with us in our struggles—and challenge—for His Light calls us to stand for truth, justice, and integrity,” it added.
The culminating grand Paskuhan concert will be on Dec. 19, before which students and staff of UST Manila, Annex (Santa Rosa), General Santos branches may join the Paskuhan raffle.
Agape, another Paskuhan tradition where members of the Thomasian community gather to enjoy a meal provided by UST, will be held a little later than usual on Dec. 17. The feast will be followed by the Agape concert.
The UST Paskuhan mass will also fall on the same day as the feast.
Aside from the grand Paskuhan concert, there are several musical festivities set throughout the month, including the UST Christmas Concert on Dec. 1 at the UST Chapel and Christmaseum Concert at the UST Museum Gallery on Dec. 5.
Coinciding with the campus lighting is Tunog Tomasino, wherein Thomasian bands compete for a chance to perform in the Paskuhan concert. It will take place at the Open Field.
The opening program of the Paskuhan Pop-up Village will be on Dec. 1 at the Quadricentennial Square, along with the Tiger Radio Caravan, and it will close on Dec. 5.
Masses in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be held throughout the day on Dec. 8 at the UST Chapel.
A community gift-giving activity will also take place at the P. Noval Court on Dec. 27.
In the same circular, the University called on Thomasians to be not only receive God’s light, but radiate it, with “Light Among Us” recognizing God as the “light of the world” and “Hope Through Us” urging Catholics to His mission.
“As the University rejoices in the Light who dwells among us, may it also become an instrument of His Hope—forming faithful witnesses who bring compassion where there is pain, truth where there is confusion, and peace where there is division,” it added.
The Christmas break will begin on Dec. 20, while the start of regular classes for the second term will be on Jan. 16. F
