ON DECEMBER 9, the eve of International Human Rights Day, the Loyola Schools community began their Christmas party with an affirmation and prayer service for human rights and the nation.

“We, the people, can take a stand for rights. And together, we can take a stand for more humanity,” said Associate Dean for Student Formation Roberto Guevara.

Amidst the observed attempts to revise the history of the Martial Law period, the extrajudicial killings, and the recent passing of the bill restoring the death penalty in the country, Guevara said it was time to reaffirm adherence to “unalienable human rights.”

In the spirit of the Advent Season, he gave importance on prayer and asking guidance from the Lord in times like these.

University President Ramon Villarin, SJ led the crowd in praying for all victims of human rights violations and in saying the Prayer for the Nation. The prayer will also be said in all of the masses on campus throughout the remainder of the year.

Similar to what he said in a previous memorandum about the responsible use of social media, Villarin ended the prayer service by reminding everyone to listen to that “still small voice” of the Lord in dealing with the noise of the world.

The Christmas party celebration also featured a Panunuluyan performed by some of the LS faculty and staff. The Panunuluyan, a famous Filipino Christmas tradition, is a procession depicting the journey of Mary and Joseph as they struggled to find a shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.

The Ateneo College Ministry Group and the Company of Ateneo Dancers were also there to provide music and performances during the procession from the Red Brick Road to Bellarmine Field.

The Christmas Fellowship Mass at the Church of the Gesu followed afterwards.