Serving as a traditional rite of blessing before reaching their final milestone toward graduation, the Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) Class of 2026 gathered for their Baccalaureate Mass at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center on August 7, 2026.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Benjamin B. Espiritu III, Dean of the Philosophy Department and the Graduate School of Theology at Mother of Good Counsel Seminary.

In his homily, Fr. Espiritu encouraged the graduating class to persevere through life's difficulties, reminding them that the challenges and setbacks they experienced as students were essential to their personal growth.

“Difficulty is not the enemy. We find the most comfortable things, we find the easiest options, we never want to wait, we find the quickest solutions. But real success and true success does not come from evading difficulty, real success comes from facing them head on bravely and that difficulty did not defeat you, it formed you.”

Joining the offertory were the university's faculty and staff alongside the students, symbolizing their shared support and prayers for the graduating class.

The gathering concluded with a meaningful moment of reflection and gratitude as the graduates prepared to embark on their week-long Commencement Exercises scheduled from August 10 to 14, 2026.

Photo Credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit

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