Written by: Szarina dela Paz and Carl Christian Calderon
Photos by: Jeremy Edera, Khristel Penoliar, Aldea Mendoza, and Airon Valenzuela
For the first time since the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Agape, also known as the Thomasian Christmas Feast, was held in an in-person setup last December 2, 2022.
Agape, a Greek word for the "highest form of charity and love", was part of this year's Paskuhan Festivities and was earlier announced by the University officials that it will be held exclusively for Thomasian students and alumni.
The food distribution for Agape began at 5 PM, as the students claimed the food packs provided using the food stubs distributed by the University from November 26 to December 1, 2022. Each student was provided one food stub throughout that period of time.
As the clock struck 6 PM, a prayer commenced the program proper of this year’s Agape. This was followed by a reading of the Holy Scriptures, Intercessions, and ended with a bestowment of blessings presided over by UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P.
Assistant to the Rector for UST General Santos, Academician Prof. Maribel G. Nonato, PhD, and Assistant to the Rector for UST Sta. Rosa, Prof. Philipina Marcelo, PhD, led the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree.
“UST has always triumphed over adversity. Guided by unchanging faith, steadfast hope, and [...] love,” Prof. Marcelo highlighted the University’s guiding principles in the past years.
“UST navigates all frontiers in order to bring light where it is needed, lumina pandit,” Prof. Marcelo ended her speech with a project title of the University, meaning “spreading the light.”
“From a flickering light in Intramuros, the light was scattered to Sampaloc 95 years ago. From Intramuros to Sampaloc, to Santa Rosa, to General Santos–the Thomasians spread the light to the world,” Prof. Nonato said.
The UST Rector then officially declared the formal opening of the Paskuhan Festivities 2022.
Following this were the performances of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) by the UST Symphony Orchestra, UST Singers, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, Coro Tomasino, conductor Micheal Jacinto, and musicians from the Conservatory of Music which showcased Thomasian talents.
Lights, Parols, and the University’s Christmas Tree were lit and were followed by a majestic display of fireworks. Thereafter, a traditional siren atop the UST Main Building was rung as a symbol of calling fellow Thomasians from all corners of the country.
Very Rev. Fr. Ang pondered on three points in his speech to the Thomasian community to highlight this year’s Paskuhan theme, “Pananabik, Pagbabalik, at Panunumbalik.”
The Rector looked back on the two-year Thomasian journey-balakid caused by COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Mayroong pananabik [sa ating] pagbabalik sa Unibersidad [at] panunumbalik, which is the act of restoration,” Fr. Ang said in his message.
UST Paskuhan 2022 Festivities resume on December 7 for the University-wide Advent Recollection and end on December 19 with the much-awaited return of the face-to-face Grand Paskuhan Concert.
댓글