Love is among us: UST celebrates Start of Lent

By: John Benedict Cabrera & Janine Hernando

Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs, presided over the Ash Wednesday Holy Mass, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. The Thomasian community attended the mass at UST Plaza Mayor at 5 p.m. on February 14th.

Fr. Tiong expressed his delight as we celebrate Ash Wednesday and Valentine's day. “[...] Lent is a season for a change of heart,” he said in this homily, encouraging the parishioners to join the journey of Christian transformation in preparation for Easter. “In this way, our heart will be closer to God,” he added.

“Actually, Ash Wednesday is one of the best things that can happen to Valentine’s Day,” he said. He also talked briefly about the history of Valentine’s Day. “The truth of it was that St. Valentine was fighting for the sanctity of marriage, especially for young people,” he added.

Fr. Tiong also emphasized that Valentine's Day was commercialized rather than secularized. The mass ended with the traditional placing of ashes on the forehead of the parishioners — signifying repentance and acknowledgment of their sins.

The College of Science held its 7th monthly mass also on Ash Wednesday at Santisimo Rosario Church. College academic staff participated in the mass, while students were invited to join virtually.

Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., UST Secretary-General, presided over the college’s mass. “Science and faith complement each other. Scientists should be in love always. In every work, there must be love,” he said in his homily.

Kumpisalang Bayan was also conducted from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the university-wide event to mark the start of the Lenten season. Thomasians gathered for confession presided by the Diocesan priests at Benavides Park in preparation for the upcoming St. Thomas Aquinas Double Jubilee Retreat.