ASIA/PHILIPPINES - 400 years at the service of education and formation Santo Thomas Catholic University

Thursday, 28 April 2005

Manila (Fides Service) - The ‘Pontifical Royal Catholic University of the Philippines’ in Manila, one of the most famous colleges in the country, offers besides excellent education, also formation in Christian values and principles. Santo Tomas University, this year it marks its 394th anniversary and over the centuries it has become a point of reference for culture and academic studies in the Philippines and its contribution to the spiritual and cultural growth of the Filipino people is universally recognised.
Founded as a seminary in 1611 for the formation of students for the priesthood by the then Archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, the college soon evolved to become an academic institution open to all. In 1624 it was recognised as a centre for degrees in Theology, Philosophy and Letters and it was renowned for the high level of teaching thanks above all to Dominicans .
Pope Innocent X raised it to the rank of University in 1645 and four years later King Charles II of Spain gave the college the title of Royal. In the 20th century Pope Leo XIII approved the title Pontifical and then in 1974 Pius XII changed its name to Catholic University of the Philippines.
The college is a famous centre for humanistic studies and is today still committed to the promotion of the truth and the development of the nation, educating men and women to have a passion for knowledge and profession it is committed to promoting the good of the Church and the nation and the community. Its most famous students include Jose Rizal, independence hero, Marcelo del Pilar, Diosdato Macapagal, president in the 1960s and many intellectuals, scholars and civil leaders. The present rector is Dominican Father Tamerlane Lana. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/4/2005 righe 28 parole 274)


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