Catholic universities must lead, empower students to truth, says Nuncio

Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, on Monday highlighted the crucial role of the truth in the mission of Catholic education.

In his message for the opening of the University of Santo Tomas’ new academic year, he said that Catholic education is about truth.

“The mission of a Catholic University is to guide us into the truth to 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,” Brown said.

“May the holy spirit enlighten your minds and rekindle your hearts so 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,” he added.

The nuncio’s message was read by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang during the “Misa de Apertura” held at the university chapel.

Fr. Ang stood in for the nuncio, who was unable to attend due to Metro Manila’s stricter Covid-19 restrictions.

Echoing Pope Francis, the Rector urged Thomasians to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit amid difficult times.

“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,” he said.

The traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit is an annual UST celebration to mark the beginning of an academic year in the university. (Mariel Celine L. Serquiña/CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published on CBCP News.