Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila joins in the Celebration of Blessed Takayama Day with His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda of the Archdiocese of Osaka, Takamatsu, Japan, Papal Envoy for the celebration of Manila Cathedral's 60th Anniversary Celebration and Honorable Manila City Maria Sheilah Honrado "Honey" Lacuna–Pangan, Papal Awardee.
Welcome Remarks
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, faculty, and students,
As we gather here today on this venerable campus, it is essential to reflect upon the rich tapestry of history woven into the very fabric of this institution. The roots of PLM trace back to the original Jesuit Compound, a bastion of education and enlightenment founded in 1591. However, the pages of history turned, and in 1768, the Jesuits were swept away by the currents of European royal politics, leaving behind a legacy that endures to this day.
During the Jesuit era, this compound bore witness to the rise and fall of churches, the resilience manifested through rebuilding after earthquakes, the establishment of several colleges, and the nurturing of a seminary that stands as a testament to time. It is within these hallowed grounds that two revered saints, both martyrs, once walked—Blessed Justus Takayama and Blessed Diego Yuki Ryosetsu.
Blessed Justus Takayama, hailing from Osaka in 1552 and finding his final resting place in Intramuros Manila in 1615, was beatified in 2017. His feast day, celebrated on Feb. 3, serves as a poignant reminder of his sacrifice. Equally esteemed is Blessed Diego Yuki Ryosetsu, born in 1575 and beatified in 2008, whose feast day falls on Feb. 4. It is worth noting that Blessed Diego, arriving alongside Takayama in exile, completed his seminary studies at San Jose Seminary, later relocated to Loyola Heights, Quezon City, where he was ordained in 1615.
The resonance of this history extends far beyond these walls, echoing in the annual pilgrimage made by the Japanese, who pay homage to the sacred soil trodden by these martyrs.
Today, as we stand proud as a free university, nurturing the best and brightest minds of Manila, we understand the weight of our responsibility. We pledge to uphold the standards of PLM, ensuring that education remains a beacon guiding our students to lead worthwhile lives in the service of our nation.
So, once again, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all present. Welcome to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, where history breathes, and the pursuit of knowledge soars.
Thank you.
WELCOME TO THE PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA!
