Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, reminded Catholic universities in the country of their mission to spread the truth.
In his message during the opening of the new academic year at the University of Santo Tomas, the archbishop said the mission of a Catholic University is “to guide us into the truth.”
He said Catholic educational institutions should “relentlessly, courageously and consistently seek the truth and communicate the truth.”
“That is the beauty of Catholic education and that is the specific beauty of a Dominican — to guide us into the truth,” said Archbishop Brown said.
The University of Santo Tomas, a Catholic university in Manila, was founded on April 28, 1611, by Spanish friar Miguel de Benavides, archbishop of Manila.
The university, which is run by the Dominicans, or Order of Preachers, has the oldest extant university charter in the Philippines and in Asia, and is one of the world’s largest Catholic universities in terms of enrolment found on one campus.
“May the holy spirit enlighten your minds and rekindle your hearts,” said the papal nuncio in his message that was read by UST rector Father Richard Ang, OP, during the “Misa de Apertura” held at the university chapel.
The nuncio expressed hope that “through the cooperation among the administrators, faculty, students, alumni and support staff, the goals of the University of Santo Tomas, the mission of the Catholic, Pontifical and Royal University be fully attained.”
“The truth is we are so much powerful and stronger than we believe with the Holy Spirit. We are empowered to enliven others. There is nothing more powerful than a community, which has renewed itself,” said the prelate.
The traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit is an annual UST celebration to mark the beginning of an academic year in the university.
