The Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, His Eminence Giuseppe Cardinal Versaldi, visited the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas earlier today, March 9, 2016 (Wednesday), as part of his visit to the Philippines.
Cardinal Versaldi was welcomed by top University officials, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, O.P., the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.
Cardinal Versaldi’s visit began with the traditional walk through the Arch of the Centuries, followed by a welcome ceremony at the lobby of the Main Building.
Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Vice-Rector of the University, underscored the “moment of inspiration and grace” that the Thomasian family was blessed with. Fr. Ang also thanked the Society of Jesus – Philippine province, particularly Loyola School of Theology President Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, SJ, and the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education’s Official of the Universities Office, Fr. John Brilliantes.
Cardinal Versaldi heaped praises on the University, emphasizing that it plays an important role in the “dialogue between faith and reason”. The cardinal said that through the centuries, UST has remained faithful to contributing to the Church through education, with the aim of “building a better human society.” For this reason, Cardinal Versaldi said it comes as no surprise that UST has been “lavishly honored by popes and kings with titles”.
Cardinal Versaldi also thanked the University Rector, the Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD, for being one of the speakers in the November 2015 World Congress on Catholic Education in Rome. He likewise thanked the Thomasian community, those “who spend their life [in UST] and make themselves available to the service of the Church through [their] talents and energy”.
Finally, Cardinal Versaldi conveyed the blessing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who extended his prayers for the Filipino community.
Following the welcome ceremony was a meeting with top officials, who introduced themselves and their roles in UST.
A trip to the historic UST Museum was facilitated by the Archivist, Regalado T. Jose, who presented key documents of UST, such as the Foundation Act of 1611, a sample of Baybayin document (a National Cultural Treasure), the decree elevating Santo Tomas to University status in 1645, and the decree making UST a Pontifical University in 1902.
The tour included the University’s collection of religious artifacts, art work from different Asian countries, University memorabilia—including the chairs on which Saint Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis sat during their respective visits—and the University’s visual arts collection.
Cardinal Versaldi is in the Philippines to address the participants of an international theological conference of Loyola School of Theology, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Congregation for Catholic Education is the Holy See’s arm to monitor Pontifical universities like UST. During the election of a new Rector, for example, it is the Congregation that gives the go signal for the candidate’s appointment.
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