The University of Santo Tomas celebrated a Triduum in honor of its patron, St. Thomas Aquinas from January 24 to 26, 2023, and launched the Triennium of St. Thomas Aquinas 2023 to 2025. With the theme “Saint Thomas: Contemplating the Beauty of God”, the Eucharistic Celebrations were held at the Santísimo Rosario Parish Church (UST Chapel).
His Excellency Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches, was the main presider for the University Feast Day Mass on January 27, 2023, the day before the Feast Day of St. Thomas.
Bishop Bacani invited the Thomasian community to emulate St. Thomas, who dedicated his life to studying, praying, and looking at God lovingly through his many written works.
“[St. Thomas] contemplated Christ and God in all their beauty,“ the Bishop remarked about St. Thomas, adding that, “Because he had faith, he sought answers. Because he had love, he sought endlessly for those answers, and lovingly presented them to fellow human beings. He received light. Having received the light in love, he passed them to others with great love, preaching and teaching.”
This Mass opened the celebration of three (3) important jubilees of the Angelic Doctor: 2023 marks the 700th anniversary of his canonization (18 July 1323), 2024 is the 750th anniversary of his death (07 March 1274), and 2025 is the 800th anniversary of his birth (28 January 1225).
After the Feast Day Mass, academic staff teaching faith and morals-related courses received the academic Mandatum and made their Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. The given Mandatum Cross “is a visible manifestation of the abiding commitment, not only of the individual professors but of the University itself, to ensure the delivery of a sound religious education faithful to the Magisterium of the Church as part of its mission to provide a solid Catholic education rooted in the Faith,” explained a circular from the Office of the Secretary-General.
