By Elyka Jimenez | The Paulinian
Photos by Ahnica Claudeth M. Almanzor | The Paulinian
On December 6, 2025, St. Paul University Manila held a year-end Eucharistic Celebration at the Chapel of the Crucified Christ. It was a special time to honor St. Nicholas. The celebration brought together the Senior High School and College students for a meaningful Paskuhan Mass welcoming the Christmas season.
Before the Mass began, Ms. Judith Alderete asked for a blessing, especially for the poor, the young, and the entire SPU Manila community. Special intentions were offered for the school’s alumni, staff, faculty, students, and employees, especially Sr. Nicole M. Dabalus, SPC, and for protection from disasters.
The Mass was presided over by Fr. Geovani Baco. He centered his message on the theme “I have Changed for Good,” highlighting a song from the movie, Wicked: For Good. In his homily, he spoke about how God places people in our lives who help to bring out the best in us, and how meaningful relationships rooted in compassion can transform us permanently.
He emphasized that in the gospel, Jesus looks at the crowd with deep compassion and not shallow pity, but with a love that sees beyond faults. Jesus sees people who are lost, sinful, abandoned, afraid, troubled, and suffering. He sees their failures, yet He also sees their longing for God. Jesus does not turn away. Instead, His heart moves toward them.
“Jesus heals people before they change. He forgives people before they prove themselves. He loves people before they serve Him,” Fr. Basco aid. He reminded the community that compassion is not a reward for good behavior, but a starting point of transformation. He also encouraged the whole SPU Manila community to mirror Jesus’ gaze in their daily lives, treating classrooms, offices, and hallways as spaces of learning and healing.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit,” filling the chapel with the spirit of Christmas, and a photo opportunity, capturing the unity of the SPU Manila Community as they welcomed the Christmas season. Gratitude was then expressed to Fr. Baco, Sr. Evangeline and her council, the SPC Sisters, the Christian Formation and Student Services Office, the Student Affairs Office, the student organizations, the Paulinian Liturgical Animators, SPU Chorale, canteen staff, Sr. Agnes, general services and maintenance personnel, ICT, faculty, staff, students, and everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration.
The year-end Paskuhan Mass reminded the SPU Manila Community of the true meaning of compassion, the power of meaningful relationships, and the joy of coming together in faith during the Christmas season.
