De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila has conferred an honorary degree on Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula during its 195th Commencement Exercises held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on June 3, the Archdiocese of Manila said in a news post.
Photo from the Facebook page of Archdiocese of Capiz / FILE PHOTO
A graduate of DLSU’s Master of Arts in Education, Major in Guidance and Counselling,Cardinal Advincula was awarded the degree of Doctor in Applied Theology, honoris causa.
In his address, His Eminence cited the faith experience students might have while studying at the DLSU.
“My dear fellow Lasallians, I hope your stay at De La Salle University has brought you to faith experience, as it did to me more than forty years ago. I hope you experienced God’s gift of faith not only through your theology classes or retreats, but also through the friendships you forged with schoolmates and mentors, classroom lessons and immersions, the care you received from professors and parents, the services you received from staff and administrators, and the blessings you obtained from God through your stay at De La Salle University. All of these have been loving encounters with Jesus, if you were keen to sense His presence, movements, and invitations,” said Cardinal Advincula.
Cardinal Advincula assured his audience of the Church’s presence and support to their well being.
“I am deeply aware that many of you would describe themselves as more spiritual than religious. You may even doubt the credibility of the Church. We do not rebuke you, but indeed hear you and thank you for your sentiments and contributions. They are signs of your burning desire to see your Church walking the talk, and practicing what we preach: a Church that lives out the joy of the Gospel, a Church that strives to embody Christ’s vision, a Church that has confidence in you, and ensures that you are not marginalized but welcomed and valued,” he said.
The Church leader also emphasized the importance of listening.
“I am inviting you to become agents of listening. Much of our world’s difficulties can be solved or surpassed if we listen. Please, listen to God and listen to the signs of the times,” the prelate stressed.
Cardinal Advincula concluded his address by thanking and honoring DLSU for its countless contributions to scientific research, integral human development, and the proclamation of the Gospel.