THE FACULTY of Arts and Letters must continue forming critical thinkers, voices who speak the truth, and hearts that discern, a prelate emphasized in a Mass for the 130th founding anniversary of the faculty on Monday, Feb. 9, at the Santísimo Rosario Parish Church.
In his homily at the Mass, which also marked Artlets patron St. Thomas More’s 548th birth anniversary, Cubao Bishop Emeritus Honesto Ongtioco said students must emulate St. Thomas’s fervent faith in God and patriotism.
“In the Philippines, a nation often wounded by corruption, abuse of power and incompetence in public life, St. Thomas More stands as a quiet and powerful reminder that ethical leadership, moral courage and selfless service for the common good are still possible when men and women allow God to shape their decisions,” Ongtioco said.
The bishop challenged Artlets not only to form students with brilliant minds but also to instill upright consciences.
“Are we preparing students, not only for success, but for fruitful and generous service? It is possible to continually inspire the Faculty of Arts and Letters to be light, loving, faithful, and courageous,” he said.
Reflecting on what St. Thomas More represents as a patron of statesmen, politicians, and lawyers, Ongtioco said the faithful must combine “true love [for] the country” with “fidelity to God,” which will make their hearts open for service of the public.
The Faculty of Arts and Letters, founded as the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters in 1896, is the University’s liberal arts college, offering 13 programs across media, social sciences, and humanities. Y. A. R. Osea
