March 24, 5:36 p.m. – GRADUATION is necessary so as not to be too familiar with the surprises life has to offer, Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector of UST, reminded the “Neo-Centennial Batch” at the Baccalaureate Mass yesterday.
While associated with separation, graduation is important since “familiarity breeds contempt and attempt,” the Rector said.
“No matter how familiar we are to each other, we can never completely know each other. No matter how extensive our knowledge is of a person, he should remain a mystery to us,” De la Rosa told an estimated 7,600 graduates at the Open Field. “Being together for so long a time makes [us] too familiar with each other to the point [that we] would no longer stand each other … Chances are [our] intimacy will generate [our] familiarity that will make [us] take each other for granted.”
“Authentic relationship must always maintain a degree of reverence and mystery. Even in our personal relationship with God, we can become too familiar with Him. We no longer fear him and we take him for granted,” he added.
He invited the graduates to build lasting relationships that would balance love and respect and justice and charity. “As Thomasians, you have to do this, as you are impelled by faith, propelled by hope, and compelled by love,” he said.
The Neo-Centennial graduates were given University pins, which symbolize Thomasian formation and continuous mission. They will be also given “mission crosses” to signify their mission in life outside UST.
The Mass ended with a pyromusical display, followed by the “ceremony of light” and the traditional recessional parade at the Arch of the Centuries. R. L. Antonio and B. D. Nicolas
