My dear aspiring ACC barristers,
Today, may it be via Zoom or face-to-face, we gather to celebrate your journey and to offer words of encouragement as you stand on the threshold of a significant milestone—the bar exams. This is a moment of great significance, as you prepare to embark on the path that will lead you to become guardians of justice, defenders of truth, and champions of the rule of law.
The bar exams are not merely a test of knowledge; they are a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. In the days and weeks ahead, you will face challenges that will test the limits of your intellect, your resilience, and your resolve. But remember, within these challenges lie opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and the sharpening of your legal acumen.
As you prepare for the bar exams, it is crucial to tend to both the intellectual and emotional aspects of your journey. Yes, the law is a vast and intricate field, and you must immerse yourself in its principles, precedents, and statutes. Devote yourself to the study, engage in rigorous practice, and seek guidance from mentors, and do not forget to seek counsel from Above. But do not neglect your spiritual well-being in the process.
Take moments of respite to rejuvenate your spirit, connect with loved ones, and nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Remember that self-care is not a luxury; self-care is tending the mind, the body, and the spirit. It is a necessity for maintaining clarity of thought, emotional well-being, and the stamina required to navigate the demanding path that lies before you.
In the midst of your studies, it is natural to feel moments of doubt, exhaustion, and even fear. But do not allow these emotions to overpower you. Instead, embrace them as a natural part of the journey, as fuel to propel you forward. Trust in your abilities, and in the foundation of knowledge and skills you have cultivated throughout your legal education at Aklan Catholic College.
Know that you are not alone on this journey. Your fellow barristers-in-training, your professors, your ACC priests, and your loved ones are standing beside you, cheering you on and supporting you every step of the way. Lean on their wisdom, their encouragement, and their unwavering belief in your potential.
Remember, the bar exams are not the ultimate measure of your worth as a barrister. They are a stepping stone, a rite of passage that opens the door to a world of opportunities. Regardless of the outcome, the true mark of a barrister lies in the way you approach your craft—with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
As you enter the examination hall, take a deep breath, center yourself, and draw upon the strength and knowledge you have acquired. Trust in your abilities, believe in your potential, let your passion for law and justice guide you, and invoke the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Approach each question with clarity of thought, with meticulous attention to detail, and with a spirit of intellectual curiosity.
And when you emerge from the examination hall, whether triumphant or with lessons learned, remember that this is just one chapter in the grand tapestry of your legal career. Embrace the journey that lies ahead, for it will be filled with triumphs and setbacks, with growth and learning, and with opportunities to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of others.
May you find solace in the knowledge that you have chosen a noble path, one that demands the highest standards of professional conduct, ethical integrity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Remember your Catholic education.
As you await the results of your bar exams, remember that success is not defined solely by a passing score. It is defined by the relentless pursuit of excellence, by the impact you have on the lives of others, and by the legacy you leave behind as a barrister.
You know it very well, that in the realm of law, there will be moments of triumph and moments of defeat. There will be days when you bask in the glow of a hard-fought victory and days when you face the disappointment of an unfavorable ruling. But remember, it is in these moments that your character is tested and refined. It is in these moments that you have the chance to rise above adversity, to maintain your integrity, and to find new paths to life.
Never forget the immense power you hold as a Catholic Christian barrister—the power to influence lives, bring about change, and be a beacon of light in a world that often yearns for its presence. Use this power wisely, with humility, and with a deep sense of responsibility. Your words and actions have the potential to shape destinies, to restore hope, and to create a more just and equitable society.
Finally, my dear aspiring ACC barristers, remember that the pursuit of justice is not a solitary endeavor. It is a collective endeavor that requires collaboration, respect, and a commitment to the common good. Forge bonds of camaraderie with your fellow ACCians, for we are your allies, your sounding boards, and your support system.
As you await the results of your bar exams, may you find solace in the knowledge that you have given your all, that you have prepared diligently, and that you have embraced the noble calling of a barrister. Trust in your abilities, have faith in the journey that lies ahead, and hold steadfast to the principles that brought you to this moment.
May your advocacy be marked by ACC’s Core Value — FAITH. Faith will bring you meaning, fulfillment, and a profound sense of purpose.
Go forth, my dear ACC barristers, and let your voices be heard in the hallowed halls of justice. We eagerly await your arrival. Sukoe eang! Upon your return, I know that you carry with you the power to make a difference, to defend the vulnerable, and to shape the course of history and make it better.
May St. Thomas More, patron of lawyers intercede for you before the Lord.
With so much love and trust in the Lord,
Fr. Justy
Fr. Justy F. More, S.Th.L., M.A. is the Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Kalibo in the central Philippines. He is also the Director of the Diocesan Commission on Sacred Liturgy and the Director of the Christian Formation and Development Center of the Aklan Catholic College.
