Amid mounting public frustration over corruption, the faithful were urged to examine the moral foundations guiding their choices during the Triduum Mass in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, presided by provincial archivist of the Dominican Province of the Philippines Fr. Wilhelm Boñon, O.P., at the Santísimo Rosario Parish Church on Monday, Jan. 26.

In his homily, Boñon acknowledged the disappointment felt by many Filipinos as corruption-related controversies continue to dominate the news.

He said that the issue resonated more deeply within the Thomasian community after some individuals implicated in corruption scandals were identified as alumni of the University.

“Natural lang na magtanong tayo [kung] ano na ang nangyayari sa atin bilang isang bansa,” Boñon said as he raised questions on justice, truth, and moral formation in a country where the majority identify as Catholics.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading about the two builders, one who built his house on rock and another on sand, Boñon compared the country’s situation to structures built on weak foundations.

“Kung hindi matibay ang pundasyon, aba’y babagsak talaga ‘yan, masisira agad ‘yan,” he added, referring to flood control projects that collapsed due to poor groundwork.

Boñon stressed that the Gospel message goes beyond physical structures and speaks to moral character. He said that identifying as a Catholic nation is insufficient if decisions and actions are rooted in self-interest rather than in God.

“Saan ba nanggagaling ang mga desisyon natin? [...] Sariling interes ba o [sa] Diyos?”

He described life, as taught by St. Thomas Aquinas, as an “exitus-reditus journey” from God and back to Him, and said true happiness is not found in money, power, or prestige but only in Him.

“Only God can satisfy the human heart,” he said, adding that the path back to God is a life rooted in virtue.

He said faith must grow into justice, fortitude, truthfulness, self-control, perseverance, and charity, warning that without these virtues, individuals become vulnerable to temptation.

Boñon highlighted the role of the University in shaping moral foundations, saying education should form not only the intellect but also the heart, a responsibility shared by priests, educators, staff, and students.

While acknowledging the disappointment caused by Thomasians linked to corruption scandals, He reminded the faithful that these cases do not define the entire Thomasian community.

He pointed to Thomasians who have lived lives anchored in God and virtue, including educators, award-winning alumni, student-athletes, working students, and topnotchers, as proof that lives built on solid moral foundations can become a blessing to the nation.