Tourists stop to contemplate his bronze statue in front of the Main Building of the University of Sto. Tomas. He rises high on top of a granite pedestal flanked by four lions and four-coat-of-arms. He dons the rugged habit of the pioneer Dominican missionaries. His right hand is gracefully elevated in the preaching fashion, his index finger pointing to heaven wherefrom all life, love and truth comes. His left hand rests on his chest holding a book bearing words Santo Evangelio on its cover. A skull-cap covers his head, and a pectoral cross hangs from his neck, the symbols of his Episcopal dignity. Such was actually the spiritual silhouette of Miguel De Benavides, founder of the University of Sto. Tomas: A Spanish Dominican steeped in the theological principles of Victoria And Las Casas, who exchanged the prestigious professorial chair for the remote and difficult new missions of the Philippines. He was chosen to govern the newly created Diocese of Nueva Segovia (Vigan) as its First Bishop (1595-1601). Later, he was promoted to be the Third Archbishop of Manila (1602-1605). He was saintly friar, a zealous missionary and a wise and prudent pastor. He authored the Doctrina Christiana in Chinese, the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593. His crowning achievement was the foundation of the University of Sto. Tomas, now 400 years old, the oldest university of Asia. Benavides championed the cause of human rights in the Philippines. In a bold appearance before King Philip II, he obtained a royale decree ordering the holding of a referendum in the Philippines towards political self-determination. It took place in 1599. the people chose to stay under the sovereignty and protection of the monarch. This historic, but rather unknown, event was the only plebiscite known in the entire colonial history before the 20th century.

Quick Jump:
by Author  •  by Publisher  •  by Category

Still can't find the book you want? If the book you want is not yet listed in our online catalog, write us now about your special order. If it exists, we will find it!