The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila 121 Arzobispo Street, Intramuros PO. Box 152, Manila, Philippines Tel. No. 5277631 * Tel/Fax 5273955, 5273850 MESSAGE extend my warm greetings to the parish community of Santisimo Rosario Parish — University of Sto. Tomas as you celebrate your 75th foundation anniversary, ‘The theme that you have chosen for your diamond jubilee, “Ave Maria, gratia plena: 75 years of unending grace” is evidently taken from the greeting of angel Gabriel to the blessed Virgin Mary in the gospel of St. Luke (1:28). The salutation is addressed to Mary, but nevertheless, it indicates, fi t and foremost, God’s graciousness and generosity. It points to God’s immense love for us. In his goodness, God prepared everything - including the call and selection of Mary ~ so that his plan of salvation would be realized, so that all of us would be saved. Secondly, the angel's greeting identifies Mary as “full of grace.” And indeed, Mary found favor with God because of her total openness to his grace. Her docility made it possible for God to accomplish his plan in Mary ~a plan involving the salvation of men and women. ‘The theme is truly appropriate for the celebration of your diamond jubilee. In the first place, to celebrate your 75th anniversary as a parish is to recognize the goodness of the Lord, who has guided and sustained you all these years. It is to give thanks to Him for the many graces and blessings that He has bestowed on your community. At the same time, it is to come to a deeper awareness of the constant call to openness and docility to God, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Such openness and doci y will allow the Spirit to work in and through you, and help you to grow even more as parish community. God bless you all. + Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Yagle ‘Archbishop of Manila 19 September 2017