CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles.
The book of Matthew talks about the journey of the three wise men and how a single star in the East led them to the new-born King. It is perhaps because of this well-loved Christmas story that we often look up to the vast skies to search for a speck of light, our own star, when pitch-black darkness is within our midst. To us, these stars are a symbol of hope, an assurance that if we keep looking up, we shall see the light that will guide our way.
This Christmas season, with the COVID 19 pandemic still posing a threat to our lives and to the economy, to see the light and to find hope at such a dreary time may be a task daunting for many of us. The abrupt changes that we had to adapt to, the pain of losing loved ones and friends that we had to deal with, and the daily struggles of those working in the frontline that we often hear and see in the news can dishearten even the ones whose courage and faith are indomitable – we are just human, after all. Here at Central, the start of the lockdown in March dimmed what we thought was a bright year ahead. The university just finished hosting the first Grand Alumni Homecoming in February and we were all looking forward to the 92nd Commencement Exercises, the celebration of the 115th year of CPU’s founding, and the opening of the annual Festival of Lights and Music.
However, the university chose to carry on. In moving forward and in embracing what lies ahead, we found comfort in chaos: that we are not alone and that we have a God who provides. As we transitioned to the new normal, our hardworking and dedicated faculty members and staff provided continuity of service while our students, their parents, our partners, and our alumni, gave the needed support, spiritual and financial, and, more importantly, waited patiently until things in the university ran smoothly again. We are blessed to have stewards who ensured CPU’s stability in all aspects and who assured the members of the Centralian community that the university will stand strong in these challenging times.
This Christmas is a special one for all of us at Central. The year may not have given each of us with the best memories to cherish and remember, but it has afforded us to see and value what we have in abundance: a family whose warm hands will always lead us back home and a community who uplifts each other in prayers. Hence, despite the dark, uncertain road we are treading, we look up and see above us a glimmer of hope telling us that we shall find our way.
In this joyous season, the whole Centralian community celebrates with gratitude, optimism, and hope for God’s love and mercies continue to sustain us as we remain steadfast in our mission.
May this Christmas bring hope and joy to you and your families! A blessed Christmas and a bountiful New Year to one and all!