Manila Archbishop receives honorary degree from a top Philippine university

Cardinal Jose Advincula was conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Theology, honoris causa, by the De La Salle University (DLSU) on Saturday.

Advincula studied Master of Arts Education major in Guidance and Counselling at the same university, run by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, popularly known as De La Salle Brothers.

He studied Theology courses at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He also took canon law at the same university and Angelicum in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in canon law.

The cardinal received the honorary degree on DLSU's 195th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center.

In his address, Advincula said, "I am deeply humbled, blessed, and honored to stand before you today and to speak to you as a fellow Lasallian. In the spirit of synodality, I humbly accept this Honorary Doctorate in the name of the People of God in the Archdiocese of Manila, whom I joyfully minister to as their shepherd and servant."

The cardinal has also touched on the culture of listening.

"When I studied psychology and counseling here at De La Salle University, I became more aware of the strong yearning of our people for a listening Church," he told the audience. "It is for this reason that I chose “Audiam” for my motto as bishop. In Latin, “audiam” means “I will listen.” 

He stressed that listening is his "pastoral priority" and that it defines his "pastoral identity and mission."

Advincula has encouraged his fellow Lasallians to make listening to culture.

"I am inviting you to become agents of listening," he said. "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. Let your DLSU training help you become attentive and responsive to the grumbling of the hungry and the thirsty, the shivering of the naked and the homeless, the groaning of the sick and the abandoned, the longings of separated and migrant families, the stirrings of the Spirit of the Jesus in your heart."

He expressed gratitude to the university for the education that has helped him become emboldened.

"I thank De La Salle University for training me to become a better person and priest," he said. "I am a proud Lasallian, talagang masarap maging Lasalista. [I am a proud Lasallian, it's a joy to become one.] Thank you for honoring the People of God in the Archdiocese of Manila by conferring upon me this honorary degree. I also honor you for your countless contributions to scientific research, integral human development, and the proclamation of the Gospel." - Oliver Samson