Rector prays for good weather, safety of ICUSTA delegates

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas rector Fr. De la Rosa says that aside from the Papal Delegate Cardinal Grocholewski, there are 50 other delegates attending the 10th International Council of Universities of St. Thomas (ICUSTA) Conference, Jan. 26-28, and they are storming heaven with prayers for good weather and to help secure them.

De la Rosa said that with the Tuesday bus bombing in Makati City that killed at four persons and more than 10 others injured, he is not only relying on security to be provided by the city government of Manila, but is asking for the Lord’s protection as well.

The 50 delegates represent schools from different continents such as Africa, Northern America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

“We are coordinating with the City Mayor (of Manila). For instance, in all the travels of the Papal Legate we are provided with an escort and other security people in order to provide him with necessary safety,” the UST rector added.

But he clarified that they made their request even before the bombing happened. “This has been (previously) arranged.”

They have also asked Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to assist them in securing the UST especially tomorrow, Friday since they would be holding their Quadricentennial dinner for the grand alumni homecoming. They would also be hosting a dinner for the poor.

During the 5 p.m. mass tomorrow, Cardinal Grocholewski would deliver his message to the 400 years anniversary of the Royal, Pontifical, Catholic university. They would also be showing the recorded video from Pope Benedict XVI congratulating the UST on its anniversary.