UST Papal Visit 2015: Why UST and Some Reminders

I’ve overheard the question, “Why UST?” a lot of times already. It’s not just once, twice, but it would be the third time the Pope would visit UST. They say it’s luck. But it’s not. It’s simply because we are a “Pontifical” University. We are the only university who offers “Canon Law” (It’s like a Master Degree for the priests) because we are the only “Pontifical” University. But what does Pontifical mean? Why do the Popes visit UST whenever they visit the Philippines?

Photo Credits to: Paul Quiambao (The Official Quadricentennial Photographer of UST)

The University of Santo Tomas is a pontifical university, directly under the authority of the Roman Pontiff—the successor of Peter, the first pope. Aside from its function as a regular university, a pontifical university has a special mission of spreading the Gospel and promoting the teachings of the Catholic Church.  The Rector of a pontifical university is appointed by the Vatican, and whenever the pope travels to a country where there is a pontifical university, it is his duty and pleasure to visit this university not only to see how it’s doing but also to inspire and encourage its students, faculty, and staff in their evangelization efforts. (Source: http://ust1611official.blogspot.com/2015/01/ustpapalvisit-q-university-of-santo.html)

General Advisory:

1. Pope Francis will be at the University of Sto. Tomas for BRIEF MEETING WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND ENCOUNTER WITH THE YOUTH, He will NOT celebrate Mass in UST.
2. There are no tickets to the event.
3. The young people that are participants to the Encounter with the Holy Father will occupy the Football Field. Gates 5 and 6 are designated for the participants.
4. The General Public can come and stay at designated areas in the campus. Gates 10 and 11 are assigned for the General Public.
5. The gates assigned for the members of the Thomasian community are Gates 1, 2, 3, and 14.
6. The gates will open at 4:00 A.M.
7. Based on the guidelines set by the Presidential Security Guards and the Philippine National Police, the following are close to vehicular traffic:
   • a. From Welcome Rotonda to Morayta Street
   • b. From Dimasalang to Nagtahan Bridge.
   • c. From Dapitan (Dapitan Sports Complex) to Lacson St.
   • d. From Piy Margal to Dos Castillas St.
   • e. The stretch of P.Noval from Dapitan St. to España Blvd.
8. The following streets serve as drop off points:
   • a. Andalucia St. cor Laon-Laan St.
   • b. España St. corner Morayta Street.
   • c. Lacson St. corner Dimasalang Streeet.
   • d. España Blvd. corner Blumentritt Street.

Souce: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205707817000175&set=a.2696854746073.2148503.1397738148&type=1

UST Papal Visit Questions

I am a Thomasian alumnus/a but I don’t have an alumni ID yet. Can I still enter the campus on Jan 18?

In ordinary circumstance, it suffices for members of the Thomasian community to show their valid ID (if currently enrolled/ employed) or alumni ID (for alumni).

However, in circumstances when a Thomasian doesn’t have the valid ID to present, he/she may present the following:

1. Photocopy of Diploma or

2. Photocopy of the Transcript of Record or

3. Old UST ID (but if there is a drastic change from your picture in the old ID, it is advisable to bring also either no. 1 or no. 2 for security purposes)

You may post your message to Pope Francis on the thread in Facebook using the hashtag ‪#‎USTPapalVisit‬. The best messages will be featured in the Varsitarian’s ‪#‎PapalVisitPH‬ commemorative issue. (Source: The Varsitarian’s Official Facebook Account)

Any comments on how they organize the Papal Visit Encounter with the Youth in UST? Let me know in the comments!