THE ARTLETS community must aspire to emulate Saint Thomas More’s fidelity to God to deliver ethical and truthful leadership in a nation frequently challenged by corruption, a retired bishop said.
During the opening mass for the Faculty of Arts and Letters’ (AB) week on a Monday, Feb. 9, Diocese of Cubao Bishop Emeritus Honesto Ongtioco genuine patriotism and public service must originate from an ethical and upright conscience.
“Saint Thomas More stands as a quiet but powerful reminder that ethical leadership, moral courage, and selfless service for the common good are still possible when men and women allow God to shape their decisions,” Ongtioco said.
Thomas More, the patron saint of AB, was a Renaissance humanist and English lord chancellor who was executed for refusing to recognize Henry VIII as head of the Church of England.
Ongtioco cited the story of Eleazar, an elderly man who refused to bend the truth for convenience, and related it with how More conveyed faithfulness under pressure. He said More refused to compromise his conscience during the divorce proceedings of Henry VIII.
The saint’s stance was reflected in his famous declaration “I am the king’s good servant but God’s first,” which also serves as a challenge to every generation, Ongtioco added.
“Saint Thomas More was devoted to his country because he was devoted to God. His love for God did not weaken his patriotism… His faith enabled him to say yes to what is right and no to what is wrong, even when it cost him everything,” he said.
According to the retired bishop, the stories of More and Eleazar showed how choosing honesty over survival reveals more about a person’s character.
“The strength to remain faithful does not come from our intelligence, titles, intellect, or influence, but from God’s grace at work within us. And in the gospel, Jesus speaks honestly,” he said.
Ongtioco called on the Artlets community to reflect on the example set by Saint Thomas More and to measure success not solely on academic achievement, but also through integrity and authentic public service.
He also reminded the Artlets of Saint Paul’s message from the second reading that although institutions are imperfect, God can accomplish great things through those who remain faithful despite human limitations.
“Fidelity to truth will not be easy [and] standing for justice will always be misunderstood,” Ongtioco said, adding that authentic service and moral courage often require sacrifice and perseverance.
He also encouraged Artlets to reflect on whether they are serving the Lord by developing upright consciences, rendering truthful services, and acting as good servants of society.
Ongtioco added that the faculty’s calling is to shape minds that think deeply, hearts that discern wisely, and voices that speak truth bravely and kindly.
“May Saint Thomas More continue to inspire the Faculty of Arts and Letters to be light, quiet, faithful, and courageous. For the church, our nation, and the world,” he said.
The mass at the Santisimo Rosario Parish marked the start of the celebration of the 130th anniversary of AB. It also commemorated the 548th birth anniversary of Saint Thomas More. F — F. M. Violeta
