CoS celebrates monthly mass in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas
By: Stephanie Vargas
In a display of faith and unity, the UST College of Science (CoS) celebrated its January mass in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Patron Saint of the University, on January 23 at the Santisimo Rosario Parish. The mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel O.P., Regent of the college.
In his homily, Fr. Coronel described St. Thomas as an Angelic Doctor who perfectly embodied CoS’ tagline ‘Galing Science, Galing Science.’ He referred to his renowned book, “Summa Theologica,” as a reflection of his own curiosities and exploration of faith.
“Alam niyo kasi, [si] St. Thomas, siya ang OG [original] na ‘Galing Science, Galing Science’… Marami siyang tanong na tinanong regarding our faith,” Fr. Coronel said.
However, despite St. Thomas’s extraordinary intellect having discovered the answers to these questions, he remained humble. Fr. Coronel recounted how, during prayer, the Lord asked Aquinas what he desired in exchange for his remarkable work, St. Thomas replied that he wanted nothing but God Himself.
“Kahit napakagaling ng kaniyang ginawa — and until today we are using it — parang balewala lang,” Fr. Coronel added.
The Regent emphasized how this portrayed St. Thomas’ humble acknowledgement and praise to God whom he came from and who provided his intellect, as he broke down the meaning of CoS’ slogan ‘Galing Science, Galing Science.’
“‘Yong first part, it talks about direction, ‘Saan ka ba galing?’ ‘Yong [isa] namang ‘Galing’ [sa] ‘Galing Science’, talks about skills, our talent. And ‘yon binigay ni Lord sa atin… kaya pinagpapasalamat natin,” Fr. Coronel explained. “Ang Panginoon ay binibigyan tayo ng galing pero ang tunay na magaling, alam kung saan siya nanggaling,” he continued.
Fr. Coronel also noted that true greatness lies in sharing one’s wisdom with others and applying what you have learned in real life.
“There is greater to life with what we are doing. When we share our life to others, tayo ay nag-grow in wisdom. The mystery is [even when] you share your knowledge, you share your wisdom, hindi nababawasan — laging nandodoon. Kaya ‘yong mga teachers natin ‘di ba mga share nang share, pero lalo [silang] gumagaling, lalong humuhusay,” Fr. Coronel added.
Fr. Coronel shared how St. Thomas Aquinas also shared and collaborated with many people, including St. Albert the Great, the Patron Saint of the CoS.
“‘Yong faith and reason [p’wede maging compatible]. Faith and science? P’wede rin ‘yon. Before, they [felt] science and faith are not compatible, pero maraming collaborations ang nangyari — not only person to person or group to another group, but ‘yong mga inaral nilang ideas and fields of discipline,” Fr. Coronel added.
The legacy of St. Thomas Aquinas continues to inspire not only the University, but also the world. Fr. Coronel concluded by praying for everyone’s efforts, no matter how small, to leave a meaningful impact.
“We pray that no matter how small ang ating endeavors, no matter how simple ang ating deeds, magkaroon ito ng impact sa mundo,” he said.
The double jubilee celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas on January 28, with this year’s theme “St. Thomas Aquinas: Illumined by Truth, Anchored in Hope,” will conclude with an institutional mass on January 27 at 3 PM.
Photos by: Maurice Casaje
