Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila, encouraged graduands to carry out the values of gratitude and solidarity during the Thanksgiving Mass at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Chapel earlier today, July 18. 

In his homily, the Cardinal motivated Batch 2025 to excel beyond titles and serve those in need. 

“Let your education become a vocation, a calling to build, uplift, and transform… Serve others with both competence and compassion, remembering that true excellence always points beyond itself,” he said. 

Moreover, the archbishop reminded the graduating Tamaraws to be aware and be united as they enter a new chapter of their journey.

“Let us ask Jesus to shape our hearts to be more compassionate and caring. This begins with the ability to feel the pain of others and to stand in solidarity with their suffering,” he expressed.

The graduation symbols of the graduands were also blessed by the archbishop. 

Cardinal Advincula was among the 133 pool of cardinal electors who participated in the 2025 papal conclave in the Vatican last May 7 and 8. 

The Thanksgiving Mass is a part of the annual FEU commencement exercises held for the graduating batch for a fruitful academic journey. 

The graduation rites for the Class of 2025 are set to be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City this coming July 22 to 24.

- Julliane Nicole B. Labinghisa

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)