May 21, 2016, 12:56a.m. – LIVE A simple life, love others and be thankful to God.
This was Acting Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P.’s parting shot to 8,801 members of the Batch of 2016.
“Ang Tomasino ay marunong lumusong sa baha, kumain sa karinderya, hindi takot lumakad sa lansangan sa gabi at sumakay sa jeep,” Fr. Ang said in his homily during the second of two Baccalaureate Masses held Friday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“Tinuruan kayong magmahal hindi lamang sa Diyos kundi pati sa kapwa,” he added.
Hard work leads to success, he reminded the graduating students. “Nakasalalay sa inyong mga kamay ang inyong kinabukasan. Kaya binigyan kayo ng Diyos ng kakayahang mag-isip at magdesisyon,” Fr. Ang said. “[S]a mga oras na ito halos abot-kamay na ninyo ang mga pangarap na minimithi.”
Thomasians, as persons of principles and dignity, have good morals and virtues that are sought by employers, he pointed out.
Fr. Ang concluded his homily by urging the Batch of 2016 to “spread and be the Good News” to others.
The graduating students were given “mission crosses” as symbols of their mission in life outside the walls of the University. The Mass ended with the “ceremony of light” to remind the graduating students of their duty to spread the light of the Christian faith.
A pyro-musical display, accompanied by songs from bands such as One Republic, followed the Mass. The festivities ended with the recessional parade through the Arch of the Centuries.
The activity, traditionally held at the Grandstand, was moved indoors because of expected rains. As a result, graduating students were split into two Masses at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The following are the number of graduating students per faculty and college this year: Accountancy (753), Architecture (393), Arts and Letters (994), Civil Law (101), Commerce (916), Ecclesiastical Faculties (72), Education (482), Engineering (841), Fine Arts and Design (564), Graduate School (217), Medicine and Surgery (520), Music (17), Nursing (346), Pharmacy (682), Rehabilitation Sciences (242), Science (618) and Tourism and Hospitality Management (456). Kathryn Jedi V. Baylon and Alhex Adrea M. Peralta