Rev. Fr. Amir Angel R. Gamboa delivered his homily. Photo courtesy of Christine Cayanan
The prevailing pandemic did not dampen the spirit of the Don Honorio Ventura State University Sto. Tomas Campus (DSTC) community as it held its annual Dawn Mass on December 14, 2021 at the Conference Hall of the Campus at 6 o’clock in the morning.
It was officiated by the invited priest, Rev. Fr. Amir Angel R. Gamboa, Parish Priest of Sto. Cristo Del Perdon Parish, Villa Julita Subdivision, Barangay Saguin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga which was participated-in by limited faculty member, students and non-teaching personnel in compliance with the health protocols being implemented by the university.
The dawn mass was also virtually viewed via the Faceboook page of the DSTC.
In his homily, Fr. Gamboa stressed the importance of the birth of the savior on the manger not in a palace that “to come close to God, to do the will of God and to give joy to others for the Glory of God”.
For her part, Dr. Jovita G. Rivera, DSTC Campus Director, said that “amidst the present health crisis, Sto. Tomas Campus initially started the observance of Dawn Mass/Simbang Bengi to rekindle in the minds and hearts of every Honorian the spirit of giving, for it is in giving that we received (St. Francis of Assisi). It is a way of giving thanks to God for its continuing protection and blessing in the current situation”
The former gratefully expressed her outmost gratitude to the DHVSU Administrative Council led by Dr. Enrique G. Baking, DHVSU SUC President III, for its approval of holding the dawn mass this year, as well as, to the DSTC Technical Working Group, who worked for the realization of this event.
The annual Dawn Mass started since December 2015 to have a spiritual enrichment and preparations in time for Christmas, however, it was temporary halted last year because of the imposition of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Meanwhile, the DSTC Community continuously holding its virtual Monthly Eucharistic Celebrations or First Friday Mass since May 2021 at the St. Matthias the Apostle Parish Church, San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga being officiated by its Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jose Ronnie D. Cao.
by: Jeffrey M. Gomez, MPA
Multi-Faith Unit Coordinator, DHVSU Sto. Tomas Campus
