U-Week opens with Novena Prayer and mass

by Arben Jeyk Da-anoy

In celebration of the first day of the University Week 2023, the faculty and students of the University convened for the Mass and Novena Prayer in Honor of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, held at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Nov. 13.

“[Agape, the third and highest form of love is] all about charity. It’s about doing something for other people, no matter how small they are, as long as it’s an act of service, it is an act of charity, that would be an instrument of change for other people”, Official Mass Presider Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, said.

During his homily, Fr. Alaras shared a story of how a businessman, particularly a bakeshop owner, unknowingly helped the street children in their village by giving bread to the nun for 30 consecutive days. “A simple act of charity, a simple greeting, a simple smile, can even change a person,” Fr. Alaras added.

Moreover, Fr. Alaras concluded his homily by leaving a challenge to everyone to do a simple act of kindness in order to make a difference.