azcuna speech

Home » Post Item » azcuna speech

azcuna speech

August 16, 2007

THE SACRAMENTAL NATURE OF THE PROFESSION OF LAW
Speech delivered by Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, Supreme Court of the Philippines, at the Commencement Exercises of Ateneo Law School, April 22, 2007, Meralco Theatre, Lopez Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City.

The profession of law is a sacred calling. I do not mean simply that it had priestly origins and that for a long time there was only canon law and all lawyers were religious. Rather, I mean that law is a way towards finding God in the world and of restoring Christ in all things.

To start with, the law, as I never tire pointing out, is the most human of all professions. It addresses the human as human, and seeks to minister to his needs as body and soul, matter and spirit, as a rational animal, a sentient being.

From the time you locked horns with the intricacies of persons and family relations, to the time that you delved into obligations and contracts, torts, crimes, penalties, damages, succession and corporation law, tax, labor, remedies and procedures, legal ethics and legal philosophy, international law, the Constitution and governance, you were always face to face with the problems and concerns of human beings in society. The aim was always to seek through law the sway and dominance of justice in the relations of persons and humans among themselves and vis-à-vis the State. In short, you studied law as an instrument of the social order. For you are all engaged, in the words of Dean Pound, in social engineering.

But it does not end there. For as Justice Perfecto also indicated, law covers not only man, woman and child, but everything else, “from the amoeba to the tundras of Russia.” Or in the language of Chief Justice Laurel, law covers everything, from agriculture to music.

As you now take hold of this sacred trust that is the law and ask permission to profess it as a way of life, way I then remind you that you do so as graduates of the Ateneo, carrying as it were, the colors of St. Ignatius, and the blue and white of Our Lady, and to remember always all that these stand for.

The seal of the Ateneo bears the words “Lux in Domino.” You all know what that means. Light in the Lord. That’s what you have to be in the world. Now, I invite your attention, however, to the shield or coat of arms in that seal. It is that of the House of Loyola. It shows a big cauldron held by a chain with two wolves facing each other, eating from the big pot of food. The symbol is that of generosity and abundance, that food and sustenance flowed over in that house, full, pressed and overflowing, so much exuberance that even the wolves had enough to eat.

I would like, though, to relate this symbol to a text I received some weeks back from a friend. An old person once told a grandchild –

A terrible fight is going on inside me. A fight between two wolves. One is evil, it represents hate and anger. The other is good, it represents empathy, love and compassion. This same fight that’s going on inside me, is inside every other person took, even you.

The grandchild then asked: Which wolf will win?

The old person replied: It’s the one you always feed.

That’s it.

It’s the one you always feed.

Go then on your quest along the path of the law.

And don’t forget the ways of the Atenean – be persons for others.

Approach the whole enterprise as a sacramental encounter – the whole of creation is a doorway to God. Use it to get to God, to realize God in this world and to render all things to the One True Being.

Feed the right wolf.

Don’t forget the poor, the helpless, and the deprived.

Yours is a profession for others, teach people their rights, help them fight for it, protect the earth and our environment, use law – be it agrarian reform, minimum wage regulation or progressive taxation – to make life better for others.

For there is so much to be done. The hour is short but the agenda is long. But by all means begin.

God speed then, as I return to the seal of this Alma Mater of ours. I left the most important part for the end – it is the center of the seal – the Sun that shines – XT – IHS – THROUGH XT YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS.

GOD BLESS, THANK YOU, AND MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.

Source: Ateneo Law Website

Posted by rax at 4:43 am | permalink

Previous Comments

*The more you learn, the more you know.

Posted by Air Jordan Shoes at December 14, 2010, 4:51 pm

This story is very useful. Really I like it. Thanks for sharing with us.*

Posted by Air Jordans at December 27, 2010, 10:09 am

Welcome to shop Coach Outlet in our Coach Outlet Handbags online store. All of Coach Outlet Canada here are fashionable, lightweight and show female charm. Coach Outlet Online and fresh styles will give you lasting visual appeal.

Posted by Coach Outlet Handbags, at April 29, 2011, 10:42 am

The second label that draws close to my psyche is the Italian brand label Oakley Fives Squared. The Oakley Fives Squared are amid the most glamorous glares that are obtainable in the market. They too draw close for men, women and kids. The Oakley Fives Squared goggles offer sleek and concurrent styling. Indeed, they are one of the best marketing designer brand labels on the global market today.

Posted by cheap-oakley-sale at August 11, 2011, 10:03 am

I like this article. Write very well. I learn more from this post.

Posted by oakley sunglasses uk at August 11, 2011, 11:30 am

Louis Vuitton Outlet is your best choice to buy discount Louis Vuitton Handbags,Louis Vuitton Bags,Louis Vuitton Purses.Cheap Sale and 100 Quality with all products.Welcome to our Louis Vuitton outlet website store! We are Louis Vuitton Outlet, you can buy the authentic Louis Vuitton products here.We all love Louis Vuitton wallets and if want to buy Louis Vuitton wallets, please visit the cheap Louis Vuitton wallets in our site.Louis vuitton purses online. We are 7/24 discount Louis Vuitton outlet store,and we provide you best quality louis vuitton handbags,purses .Fashional Louis Vuitton Products and cheap Louis Vuitton Wallet online for sale,which will save you more 50% off.And we will offer the topest quality of Louis vuitton wallets.

Posted by christian louboutin replica at October 14, 2011, 8:23 am

Christian Louboutin Knockoffs Shoes, buy cheap
christian louboutin replica shoes here. All are top quality and free shipping fee to anywhere. Discount Christian Louboutin high heels for sale,Big Discounts and Free Shipping to Worldwide!
We needed was another bout of you denied it but you were caught on tape histrionics, louis vuitton fake handbags. It seems to be one of the traits of Irish politics, and what we get is largely to be expected, replica louis vuitton.
Fake louis vuitton business as usual. Enda Kenny did indeed break an election party promise, and Louis Vuitton Antheia, as a result, rather than having a meaningful debate on whether or not these replica louis vuitton should be closed, we have a bout of handbags over who said what.
We also had the louis vuitton bags showing of hypocrisy that has recently enveloped Fianna Fail. Maybe someone should dig up the audio tape on that one discount louis vuitton, because for the past three months he has provided Louis Vuitton Cosmic.
Louis Vuitton Monogram handbags online shop, Buy cheap Louis vuitton Monogram replica handbag with free shipping to worldwide.

Posted by christian louboutin replica at October 14, 2011, 5:17 pm

Al Ti Nisi fell back to bed after a burst of dizzy immediately, so that she ugg rainier eskimo could not say half a word, but she was forced to own up, she assured Salou is to go to war on the Assyrians, for her, he must Council. But some things ugg outlet do not uggs think at that time because of extreme emotions, calm, but had to think about. She felt very uggs outlet confused as to her understanding of the Assyrian emperor, he would never be so foolish as to sacrifice the flag with the child, do so for him no good at all, calculating a person so deep, how to make a very interest to see things. If he was a child because they do not know who is, you want to test, do indeed reasonable, as long as the country’s emperor reactions behold, he will be able to know who the children, the question is to test the ugg sale child killed, The result is war, sacrificing a trump card to go to war, what benefits.

Posted by ugg outlet at October 15, 2011, 11:09 am

Mulberry Bags are hot sale with free shipping in Mulberry Outlet Store.Buy Mulberry Bags enjoy top fashion and save up to 80% off now. Top fashion Mulberry Bags are new listing now, all free shipping & fast delivery. Mulberry Handbags and Mulberry Alexa Bag super sale off with best price. Leather messenger bag offered in Mulberry factory shop uk online,you can get Mulberry Envelop Message cross body bag discount. Shop Mulberry online, Mulberry sale, 2011 new style of Mulberry bags, Mulberry Handbags are free shipping now! No tax!

Posted by mulberry outlet at October 25, 2011, 4:15 pm

We are known as the Best Rolex Replica Watches supplier, Free Shipping to all over the world, all watches here have the 10 days money back guarantee. Rolex watches on sale at online replica rolex watches wholesale store, High quality replica rolex watches waiting for you to buy! Buy highest quality Rolex replica watches and other replica watches at cheap wholesale price. The Rolex Datejust is an officially certified, self-winding chronometer wristwatch manufactured by Rolex. The Datejust was the first wristwatch with a date function, in 1945.

Posted by rolex replica at October 25, 2011, 5:36 pm

Thank you for sharing,this is a good article.I know mangy thing from it.Thank you! Canada Goose Langford Winter Parka Men Black seems to be a charming and fashion one in this 2011 winter season. It is the same to you, take one these
Womens Parkas Montebello Parka SummitPink from our online shopping store is a smart decide for you. Womens Parkas Montebello Parka White mainly wins at its cute and beautiful design that make you look as a Beautiful young woman.it’s worth to own it.

Posted by Womens Parkas Montebello Parka SummitPin at October 26, 2011, 11:31 am

Important note : the Australian UGG is not a brand name, but a large number of snow boots brand name ugg boots outlet. In the above to the Australian UGG official sell shoes is the Jumbo UGG brand, of course it is Australia’s UGG ugg outlet this large class. In Australia there are many other UGG brand, named the way may be XXX UGG UGG XXXugg sale, may also be. While Jumbo UGG is one of many Australian traditional UGG brand in the largest manufacturers,

Quality is the best ugg boots sale.

Posted by ugg boots outlet at October 29, 2011, 2:13 pm

Cheap replica Louis Vuitton handbags on sale, buy new fashion wholesale discount replica LV handbags from China suppliers.Shop the latest Louis Vuitton bags handpicked by a global community of independent trendsetters and stylists.
Wholesale Louis Vuitton replica bags with the cheapest price in our Uk store. Louis Vuitton replica with the hightest quality & free shipping in our UK store.They are sale cheap but high quality,louis vuitton bags are saling online use the best materials, so buy cheap lv bags here is your best choice.
Welcome to replica handbags online store where you could purchase various replica bags range from replica lv bags to lv bags & wallets.Louis Vuitton Bags are not a marketing page, it’s only a fan page just to exchange information between the user and Facebook.

Posted by louis vuitton replica at November 2, 2011, 10:29 am

Christian Louboutin high heels red soles mark the beginning of time a bit vague louboutin shoes, but seems to be his in the design of a pair of shoes christian louboutin shoes, when he saw his assistant to his nails painted red, he will be inspired by his soles painted red. He immediately seized the beautiful soles, soles directly on the sample map christian louboutin sale. As well, he initially wanted all of his shoe soles are painted different colors christian louboutin outlet, but after reading a lot of red soles of shoes, he gave up the idea and let the red soles became his signature.

Posted by louboutin shoes at November 4, 2011, 6:39 pm

Karen millen dresses for 2011 is now featuring the two offline and on the web. karen millen uk will probably be in the 2011 autumn/winter assortment. Karen millennium will likely be on us quickly and you also can now watch the forthcoming new period. red karen millen dress is fantastic for keeping up using the most up-to-date trends and delivers for your present period. This Karen millen mini skirt is really a favorite.Purple/lilac and a pink shade and looks wonderful with karen millen dress. Yet another karen millen military coat may be the spectacular dresses.

Posted by Karen Millen Dresses at November 14, 2011, 8:27 am

The goose canadian are good brand-name clothes, which is established in Canada. canada jacket is the latest ugg boots market. This external shell material is processed, it’s patented PTFE protection this Canada Goose Mens Jacket can be closed or money order or by the former zipper nylon zipper flap coverage. You just want to increase the Winter boots and comfortable, will increase the charm of your personality. Canada Goose Women are ready to keep you warm this winter. With the onset of winter, everyone began to store near a comfortable winter coat. canada goose is so comfortable, you warm. Great design and fashion style will show your great personality. Our true capabilities and reduce Canada goose jacket edge model of a great mix.

Posted by Canada Goose Baby at November 18, 2011, 8:56 pm

UGG boots Sale
Baby UGG Boots Ugg Boots Sale are already created Mens UGG Boots in Australia more than two hundred years, UGG Argyle Knit Boots and they’re commencing to use the USA by surprise. They could match their brand, they may be ever relaxing and so they wear very well. The authentic Ugg boot had not been a brand name, however Ugg may be a generic period for a type UGG Bailey Button Boots of sheepskin boots which were produced initially UGG Bailey Button Triplet Boots in Australia. The Ug was in fact brief for “ugly”, Ugg Boots 2011 and also the extra “g” was included later. In UGG Classic Cardy Boots relation to coziness, however, the boot lacks UGG Classic Mini Boots the identical. Concerning comfort and ease, it really is a thing of beauty. You’ll find Ugg boots to become one boot that could supply you a great match and relaxing. They’ve created UGG Classic Short Boots many patterns and in many cases UGG Classic Tall Boots for men. The Ugg Boots UK throughout the summer gives you UGG Delaine Boots the reduced prices for that winter boots over the UGG Jimmy Choo Boots summer time. The shoes you discover for Ugg UGG Sundance II Boots offer a comfy sneaker throughout the summer holiday. Additionally, you will discover that there are various varieties of sneakers they have on the market today that can offer you with trainers best to your feet on your walks. UGG Nightfall Fuzzy Boots The Ugg brand is an best label of footwear UGG Tularosa Boots that could be found in the land here, which is UGG Ultimate Short Braid Australia. The Ugg sales throughout the seasons UGG Ultra Short Boot of winter and slip have huge sales offering you a great record of explains require UGG Ultra Tall Boots.
Kids UGG Boots

Posted by UGG boots Sale at December 3, 2011, 11:15 pm

I’m happy I found this article,its great!

Posted by karen millen dresses at December 31, 2011, 10:26 am

karen millen exhibits it’s distinctive glamour to be able to attract your personal visitors. The karen millen dresses web store can be a unique range of inexpensive karen millen, high quality Karen Millen Wear the store are usually usually within large inexpensive together with totally free delivery! Urged towards the shop and luxuriate in your personal purchasing second! The particular 2011 Newest karen millen dresses may revise every single weeek to make sure you will make the most recent Custom Karen Millen Gowns. Many of us gives you most likely probably the most exceptional support, and we’ll substitute to suit your needs for individuals who’ve any issue while using item, within the trade variety allowed, karen millen make certain you actually feel absolve to obtain the following.

Posted by cat boots at January 5, 2012, 1:09 pm

moncler uk buy may also be an excellent gift for the buddies on their own birthday celebrations or any other festivities. Whenever you do get into moncler jackets tops to choose your put on make sure to tell the individual aiding you where you stand going and also the season and that he Orshe will help you choose the best outfit using the proper thermal value. Actually, from time to time, fashion is really a strange factor and it has no standard to measure. That’s why the organization for your French Alps troops within the second world war.If you would like moncler branson store online, you are able to click and you’ll love the moncler uk online shop.Related articles:Moncler jacketshistory could be dated to seventies. moncler uk shop may be the mobile phone industry’s best dunk made of woll part. Moncler Cardigan as king in dunk.You can now buy clothes tory burch outlet quite easily tory burch 2012 nowadays it’s no more special using the runners getting snowboarding,growing the specific combined with and so forth,a lot more peope fell into deeply in love with which high quality excellent away-door spencer because of the ct trendy style and design as well as your effectiveness from the moncler kids Add-ons makeup items. moncler united kingdom to ring the all downhill selection of jackets.This brandname has stepped a brand new type of items over their partnership with Moncler jackets on purchase modified by Hiroki Nakamura. This new type of Jackets pictures Moncler like we’ve never determined before with vibrant moncler