The University of Santo Tomas honored its founder, Msgr. Miguel de Benavides O.P., third Archbishop of Manila, through a solemn wreath-laying ceremony on its 414th anniversary on April 28, 2025, at the Archbishop’s namesake garden and statue.
UST Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P., led the rite, while the wreaths were offered by Secretary General Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., EHL, representing the University administration, renowned sculptor Mr. Ramon Orlina representing alumni, CSC Secretary Ms. Meckia Villanueva representing students, and Ms. Joshua Dizon representing the support staff. The bronze statue of Msgr. Benavides at the heart of the UST Manila campus was made by French sculptor Tony Noël in 1889.
Faculty of Arts and Letters Dean Prof. Melanie D. Turingan, Ph.D. gave a short overview of the life and ministry of Archbishop Benavides, while UST Miguel de Benavides Library Chief Librarian Ms. Ma. Cecilia Lobo shared her insights on how the Archbishop’s bequeathal of his personal collection of books and the ongoing operations of the library, named after the founder, continue to play a pivotal role in the academic landscape.
The ceremony was a meaningful capstone to the University foundation month as April was filled with many initiatives from the academic units and administrative offices, all aligned with the theme “Keep us in Beauty,” a line taken from the University hymn.