STUDENT-ATHLETES must draw strength from the Lord and commit to repetition and routine to build virtue and overcome external pressures, a priest said.
As the fierce competition of the UAAP season draws near, Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz, O.P. reminded student-athletes that true victory is about winning their individual battles, an action they must do repeatedly.
“UAAP is exciting to watch because it is full of action, full of motion, full of verbs,” dela Cruz said during the mass for the opening ceremony of the UAAP Season 88 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
He explained that every sport has its own set of verbs that include not only those visible during matches, but also ones found in the personal struggles of each athlete.
“One big verb that encompasses all the other verbs…the word, ‘repeat,” the priest added.
Dela Cruz said that more than the matches they compete in, athletes also fight against their mistakes, academic pressures and even the feeling of being away from their families.
According to the Dominican priest, such struggles are intended to mold, build and help them grow into people of good character.
While establishing routines is challenging, Dela Cruz said these repeated “verbs” could turn into virtues over time, which would eventually strengthen athletes and lead them to victory.
“Victory is about winning over our own struggles, including the temptation to quit…Draw strength and hope in the Lord,” Dela Cruz said, urging athletes to rely on their faith especially in times of doubt, struggle and defeat.
The Mass signaled the official kickoff of the Opening Ceremonies of UAAP Season 88 on Sept. 19. F — F. M. Violeta
