Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urges the Thomasian community to pursue true excellence that is rooted in love, humility, and service during the Eucharistic Celebration on the first day of the University-wide retreat, ALAB 2026: Pananampalataya, Pag-asa, Pag-ibig on Wednesday, March 4, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula underscored that excellence is a noble pursuit and reminded the participants that true excellence is measured at the cross marked by humility.

“It means that in a culture of ruthless ambition and relentless competition, we are called to outdo one another not in prestige but in service. Not in self-promotions but in generosity. Not in dominance but in love,” he said.

He encouraged the attendees to let God purify their personal ambitions, anxieties, and hidden insecurities. Through prayer and reflection, he invited them to allow God to rekindle them with his alab, a deep and burning desire to serve and love others.

Bishop Raul Dael shared his testimony of faith during his conference. He demonstrated that surviving stage-three cancer was his tightest embrace from God and gave emphasis in allowing Him to bring true strength among everyone. He highlighted that faith is not a single flame, but are interconnected fires of truth, love, and mission according to the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Pablo Tiong opened the first day focusing on I Corinthians 13:13, the themes of faith, hope, and love, emphasizing love as the greatest among all these. He presented the highest Thomasian award called the Alab Pag-ibig Award in honor of the 90th anniversary of the Thomasian Martyrs who are already in the presence of God.

“Let us discover the highest level of Thomasians awards. Dito po 'yung mga nakarating po rito, hindi na nila kailangan ang pananampalataya. Nakikita na nila ang Diyos. Hindi na nila kailangan ang pag-asa sapagkat nandoon na sila sa harap ng Panginoon. Kaya pinakadakila ang pag-ibig,” he said.

The first day of the three-day event, held on March 4 to 6, concluded with a call for Thomasians to embrace faith and hope, and embody love and service.