UST Institute of Religion celebrates 80 years of 'Grateful Existence and Graceful Service'

The University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, stands proud as one of the eminent bastions of Catholic doctrines in the country. Saints and Martyrs of the Catholic Church who have perished for the faith once walked the grounds of this Pontifical University. 

 

Throughout more than four centuries of existence, UST has kept the proclamation of the 

message of Jesus Christ and the propagation of the Catholic faith in the core of her commitment, remaining the catalysts which permeate all of her present and future endeavours.

 

A testament to this continuing grace was the foundation of the UST Institute of Religion. Established in June 1933, the Very Rev. Fr. Francisco del Rio, O.P. led the reorganization of all Religion classes, the selection and formation of faculty members teaching Religion, and the preparation of the curricula for all Religion classes in the University.

Now on its 80th year, it remains faithful to this noble task, its vision and mission continue to foster an integral Christian formation of Thomasians, deriving from the wellsprings of the Catholic faith. On a more tangible perspective, it seeks to shape Thomasians who can bring to realization meaningful changes in society through the courageous witnessing of their faith, in words and actions, wherever they are and whenever the situation calls for it.

 

In response to the Church’s call for New Evangelization, the UST Institute of Religion 

established the CREDO (Certificate of Religious Education Online), a certificate program on 

Religious Education which aims to reach out to teachers of Religion and Christian Living classes that have no formal education on Theology. The CREDO is one of the banner projects of UST under her Simbahayan community extension programs. The fruition of this program was first witnessed in the Summer of 2013 in the Municipalities of Kalibo and Batan in the Province of Aklan which saw the participation of 28 schools and the graduation of 281 teacher-catechists.
 

During the same year, another batch from the Diocese of Cabanatuan finished the program with seven participating schools and graduating 86 teacher-catechists. Currently, the CREDO has 25 enrolees from Saints Anthony and Victor Parish, Guam, USA.

 

Celebrating its 80th year of “grateful existence and graceful service,” the UST Institute of 

Religion is stronger and more imbued and inspired to bring Jesus Christ to the people, both 

young and old, nearby and distant. Amidst the challenges of the times, its faculty members 

remain obedient to the call for discipleship. As it looks forward to more years of meaningful 

and fruitful service to the Catholic Church in the Philippines, it is inviting men and women to 

share in this worthy mission.

 

The UST Institute of Religion is currently accepting applications from individuals with the 

following requirements namely, 1) minimum of Master’s Degree in Theology, and 2) favorable recommendation from their respective diocesan bishop or parish priest and immediate past employer.

Applications may be sent to: Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila, 1510.

Press release and photo from University of Santo Tomas