AS A CATHOLIC university, UST’s mission is to transform the hearts and minds of its students toward an encounter with God, UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. told a new breed of Thomasians during welcome rites on Tuesday.
Dagohoy also urged freshmen to uphold their conviction in choosing to study in the Pontifical University in the afternoon Eucharistic celebration at the Quadricentennial Pavillion.
“UST is a Catholic University and so as we inform our minds, we are also tasked to transform your hearts,” he said.
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Dagohoy said a Thomasian must have confidence to set his or her heart and mind to the future, because one might experience doubts in the journey.
“When you want to stop, don’t. Pray to God that He will send someone that will assure you of the beauty of your distant future,” Dagohoy added.
Echoing the New Testament account of Jesus Christ’s Transfiguration, Dagohoy called on the freshmen to be valiant as they go through their journey in the University.
“The transfiguration story [saw the disciples] transform from being disheartened and dispirited to being courageous apostles later on,” he said.
In the morning Eucharistic celebration, Vice Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P encouraged Thomasian freshmen to be pious and diligent.
Ang listed three things freshmen should remember as a Thomasian: to say a prayer of gratitude, make new friends and set goals.
“Try to reduce your stress level by developing a strong support network,” he said. “Don’t ever compare yourself to others.”
The Eucharistic celebrations were held after the morning and afternoon Thomasian Welcome Walk, which welcomed almost 10,000 freshmen to the University.
