Christ sees through us even in our most secretive moments, according to Rev. Fr. Pablo Tiong on Wednesday, March 5, at the Plaza Mayor.

During the University Mass celebrating Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs shared that God knows us regardless of our intentions.

“In the words of the Gospel, even before we ask for forgiveness, God knows what is in our hearts,” Tiong added.

Tiong said God provides grace for people to embody, and being pure and modest is “unpopular” in society.

The vice-rector also mentioned using palm leaves during Lent, which are burnt and repurposed as ash for the imposition of the cross to the faithful every Ash Wednesday.

He hopes that people will need calls from Christ to live truthfully, turn away from sin, and believe in the Gospel.

At the end of his homily, he said that God “brings forgiveness and gives grace.”

Lent activities in the University will be held at the Santisimo Rosario Parish including the Stations of the Cross on all Fridays for the month of March until the second week of April, the 83rd Parish Anniversary on March 21, and the Parish Lenten and University-wide recollections on April 3 and 11, respectively.

The Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, April 13, and concludes on Easter Sunday, April 20. The Parish will also remain open during this period for mass attendees.