Mother General, Sr. Mary Jeanet Pintacasi, OP—the 6th Prioress General of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic
Test everything; hold fast to what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
For more pictures, please click here.
A Journey of Faith, Reason, and Learning
St. Thomas Aquinas Conference
26-27 January 2026
The two-day conference held at the D’TORCH Gymnasium on January 26–27, 2026, gathered students, teachers, and distinguished guests in a meaningful celebration of faith and learning. It commenced with a morning assembly accompanied by a musical performance by the D’TORCH Orchestra. The Directress/Principal, Sr. Jacqueline C. Manuel,OP, formally welcomed the Mother General, Sr. Mary Jeanet Pintacasi, OP—the 6th Prioress General of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic and the first Filipina elected to this position—together with one of her visiting council members, Sr. Aurora Llamazares, OP, and the General Council.
Day 1: Opening Assembly and Keynote Address
A highlight of the day was the presence of Fr. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco,OP, a Professor of Biological Science and Sacred Theology at the Royal Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, who later delivered the keynote talk, “The Dumb Ox's Secret: How Being Smart Doesn't Kill Your Faith.” Drawing from the life of St. Thomas Aquinas, he reminded everyone that faith and reason are not opposed, but meant to work together. Earlier that morning, Middle and High School students also celebrated the Holy Mass in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, reflecting on his life as a scholar and a man of deep faith whose love for truth continues to inspire learners today.
Day 2: Interactive Sessions and Academic Competitions
The second day shifted to a more interactive tone with the session “Navigating the Data Stream: Logic for a Digital Age.” Students explored how a simple Thomistic question—“What is it?”—can help them think more critically about the information they encounter online. With selected Grade 12 students sharing their reflections and an open forum for questions, the session encouraged honest and thoughtful discussion.
The afternoon continued with simultaneous activities that showcased students’ skills and enthusiasm. Middle School students participated in the Science Bowl and Quiz Bee at the gymnasium, while High School students proceeded to the D’TORCH Auditorium for the “Battle of the Brains” debate, guided by Religious Studies Teachers, Fr. Francisco Carin and Mr. Jayno Jabonillo. Overall, the conference created a space where ideas, faith, and student voices came together in a way that felt both engaging and inspiring.
