To commemorate the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Sacred Theology to Focolare Movement founder Chiara Lubich, the University of Santo Tomas will hold a year-long series of activities, kicking off with “Chiara: Apostle of Dialogue” on 12 March.

The event will also commemorate her 15th death anniversary and the 80th anniversary of her consecration to God.

UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president His Excellency Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio David, D.D., former UST Rector Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa O.P., who originally conferred the degree to Chiara Lubich in 1998, and Focolare Movement President Margaret Karram, will be in attendance. A Holy Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., led by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles J. Brown, D.D. A barrio fiesta program from 12 n.n. to 3 p.m. follows.

Lubich is the only woman and layperson to receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Sacred Theology in the 411-year history of UST.