Fray Jesse Meer E. Alipes, OAR
QUEZON CITY — The Recoletos School of Theology (RST) held a Thanksgiving Mass on October 2 to mark the renewal of its five-year affiliation with the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST) and its canonical recognition as an Ecclesiastical Institution of Higher Studies by the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See.
The Eucharistic celebration took place at the Bulwagang Recoletos Audio-Visual Room in Miranila Homes, Quezon City. It was presided over by Fr. Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR, RST Director, with Fr. Lounal Jarumay, OAR, Executive Secretary; Fr. Mark Rochelle Renacia, OAR, Research Coordinator; Fr. Edgardo Emilio Quilatan, OAR, Library Coordinator; and Fr. Leopoldo Estioko, OAR, Guidance Coordinator, as concelebrants.
During the Mass, Fr. Jarumay read the two decrees issued by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, dated August 25, 2025, and signed by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect. The first decree formally erects the School of Theology under the title “Recoletos” in Quezon City and grants it public canonical juridical personality “in accordance with Article 10 §2 of the Instruction on the Affiliation of Institutes of Higher Studies”, which itself draws from the provisions of Veritatis Gaudium (Art. 63 §1) on the ecclesial and academic mission of affiliated institutions.
The same decree affiliates RST to the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila “for a period of five years ad experimentum,” specifically for the first cycle of studies leading to the degree of Bachelor in Theology, under the faculty’s direction and supervision.
The Dicastery stated that the affiliation is to be carried out “in accordance with the special Statutes approved by this Dicastery, with all other requirements of law duly observed.” A second decree approves and ratifies the Statutes of the School of Theology under the title ‘Recoletos’ for the same five-year period ad experimentum, instructing that “those concerned observe them faithfully.”
Both decrees cite the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium (2018), particularly Article 63 §1 and Article 50 of its Norms, which outline the Holy See’s standards for ecclesiastical studies. According to Veritatis Gaudium, such affiliations are meant “to promote deeper communion in the Church’s educational mission and to ensure that affiliated institutes adhere to the academic, pastoral, and spiritual standards required of ecclesiastical faculties.”
Call to Humility in Studies; Induction of New Student Leaders
In his homily, Fr. Espartero reflected on the Gospel for the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, emphasizing humility as a cornerstone of true theological study.
“Jesus reminds us that a true scholar is childlike—one who listens, remains teachable, and studies not for self-exaltation but for the service of the kingdom of God,” he said, warning that academic life can fall into arrogance without humility.
The celebration also featured the induction of officers of the Recoletos Student Forum (RSF) for Academic Year 2025–2026. Their oath of office was administered by Fray Mhelcar Anierdes, OAR, the newly elected RSF President, and formally received by the School Director.
Fr. Espartero said the induction highlights the Christian understanding of leadership as service.
“Authority in the Christian sense is not domination but diakonia—an office exercised with humility, patience, and openness,” he said.
The newly inducted RSF officers are:
- President: Fray Mhelcar Anierdes, OAR
- Vice President: Br. Philip Paul Deogracias, SAC
- Secretary: Fray Jesse Meer Alipes, OAR
- Treasurer: Sem. Paul Mikael Lorenzo
- Public Relations Officer: Br. Jeros Amparo
The decrees of the Dicastery and UST’s renewal of affiliation take effect immediately, ensuring the continued ecclesiastical recognition of RST’s theological program in accordance with the Holy See’s academic and canonical norms.
