THE University of Santo Tomas (UST), a cornerstone of Catholic education in the Philippines, recently opened a display of memorabilia associated with the historic visit of Pope Francis in 2015.
Situated in the Main Building Lobby, the display serves as a reminder of the pontiff’s presence and his message of compassion and hope.
For the record, Pope Francis was the third pontiff to visit UST. His 2015 visits followed the footsteps of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995 which placed him within the lineage of spiritual leaders gracing the grounds of the university.
Treasures of a Papal Visit
The most important items on display that serve as a direct connection with the time Pope Francis spent within the university walls include the papal chair. This was used as the pontiff’s seat when meeting with UST which symbolizes his humility and dedication to interacting directly with those he came across.
The guestbook with the Pope’s handwritten message is one other weighty item on the display. In it, he wrote, “May the Lord bless all those studying and working for a culture of encounter.” This statement summarizes the central part of his visit: dialogue, understanding, and connecting the gap among people with differences. Even the pen used to write the message is displayed, which makes the historical record more personal.
To this display, the lanyard and UST ID which identified Pope Francis as “Administration” were included. Although these may seem very ordinary objects, their significance speaks loudly as they portray his willingness to immerse himself in the university environment and reach out to both the students and faculty up close.
A Legacy of Faith and Compassion
Beyond the artifacts themselves, the UST display serves as a historical record of the significance of the Pope’s visit within Philippine Catholicism. His presence in UST, which has deep Dominican roots, underscored the role of education and faith in creating a culture of encounter.
More than a ceremonial occasion, the 2015 visit possessed immense spiritual powers for the nation. The message of blessing, compassion, and dialogue by Pope Francis are amplified deep in the hearts of the Filipino people blessed with Catholicism.
The display in the lobby of the UST Main Building bridges the gap between generations, allowing the younger Filipinos to glimpse and appreciate one significant moment in the history of their people.
In a world often torn by differences and uncertainty, it serves as a reminder of faith’s unifying power and the importance of encounter. It beckons everyone to think about the values upon which Pope Francis stood when he visited, values that are just as valid today as they were in 2015. The echoes of his message still resonate, inspiring hope and a sense of shared humanity. The display at UST, in its quiet dignity, stands as a witness to the lasting legacy of a pontiff who attempted to build bridges and bless a nation.
