Thomasians should be courageous in facing life with perseverance, gratitude, and hope, Secretary General Rev. Fr. Louis R. Coronel. O.P. said on Friday, Nov. 19.

In his homily during the lighting of the Manila campus, the Secretary-General said that Thomasians should become "torchbearers” of God’s truth and love in a world that desperately seeks gratitude and hope.

Fr. Coronel called students to reflect on the lighting ceremony as a reminder of their duty to maintain Christ's flame blazing inside them.

“It shows us that the Olympic flame represents not only victory but also the courage to keep going on, the commitment to finish, and the light of inspiration passed from one person to another,” Coronel said.

He also affirmed that whoever follows God will never walk in darkness and have eternal light for life.

The priest correlated the Olympic torch with Christ’s walk of life with His followers, saying that it travels great distances and passes from one hand to another, uniting nations and igniting gratitude and hope.

According to Coronel, the Thomasian community embodies the same spirit of excellence that athletes do in various fields, including academics and professional development, as they share the light of knowledge and truth through "our steadfast commitment to be living witnesses of God's love."

“May our compassion reach them and lift them above their struggles, and may our actions bring light to their darkest moments,” he also urged Thomasians to remember those burdened by trials this year.

At the end of his homily, Coronel reminded everyone that the lighting ceremony should serve as a mirror of Christ's guiding light, which can encourage us to persevere and finish the course of life with love, ultimately leading to everlasting pleasure with Him.

The lighting ceremony marked the beginning of the Paskuhan festivities, with the Agape scheduled for Dec. 13 and the annual concert on Dec. 20.

This year's Paskuhan theme, "Ever Thankful, Ever Hopeful," is based on John 3:16, which reflects, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”