Studium Meum Veritas...Strive for Truth

“Studium Meum Veritas”, a simple but meaningful Latin motto appearing under the banner of the traditionally (April 1950) well-acclaimed, St Thomas School, run by Catholic missionaries. 

It roughly translates to ‘Strive for Truth’ or ‘Pursuit for Truth’ – forming the foundation stone on which all knowledge is pursued.  At the end of the day, when truth prevails in life’s journey, our efforts are similarly worthwhile and crowned.

Today, what used to be a well-run mission school, by the Marist Brothers and Brothers of St Gabriel, has been sadly reduced by the selfish exploits of a politically motivated education 'system'.  Gone were the dedicated teachers, friendly, humorous, hardworking and with the highest of integrity and sportsmanship - our early companions on the journey.


In the first century AD, Pontius Pilate (John 18:38) asked “What is truth?” but no answer was forthcoming…or perhaps he did not wait long enough?  Perhaps, truth must be subdued as a sacrifice for worldly popularity.


Truth is one of the many central subjects in philosophy. Truth has been a topic of discussion in its own right for thousands of years. A huge variety of issues in philosophy relates to truth, either by relying on theses about truth, or implying theses about truth.


Truth is never easy to define, whilst to some, it is an absolute that gives one freedom, to the rest it might just be a matter of perception.  Not being known does not stop the truth from being true; the truth can never be false.  Nevertheless, in these days and age, truth is simply scarce.  Putting it another way, in this modern age, the supply of truth is in excess of demand.  As beautiful and justified truth is, lies can also be equally attractive but the latter, being the easier way, will lead us down.


A Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, once said that, “the words of truth are always paradoxical”.

Mohandas Gandhi further echoes that “all the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth. …God is, even though the whole world denies him. Truth stands, even if there be no public support.  It is self-sustained.”



“Listen, little poor ones called by the Lord,
who have come together from many parts and provinces:
Live always in truth,
that you may die in obedience…”
- St Francis of Assisi


For me and many other old Thomasians, I am certain, "Studium Meum Veritas" will continue to echo in our being, coloring life's journey, redefining every step, making it more worthwhile, living more sincerely, giving strength to overcome any obstacles that threaten to compromise truth and most of all, becoming aware that, no matter rich or poor, life must always be lived in a truthful relationship with God because that seed of truth, was planted in our heart not so long ago.  The seed of Truth will overcome all forms of evil we encounter on this journey towards eternity.  Cheers for St Thomas!

“…the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it…you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.”

(John 14:17, NAB)

"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.  Let the truth be your delight...proclaim it..."
- St Catherine of Siena

A Simple Reflection...

"A camel needs but a small amount of food.  It saves it until it comes to a stable, where it regurgitates it and chews it until it seeps into its flesh and bones.  A horse, on the other hand, needs a lot of food.  It eats constantly and immediately loses what it has eaten.  Therefore, let us not be like a horse, constantly reciting the Word of God yet without embodying it.  Let us follow the example of the camel, retaining every word of Holy Scripture we recite, until we have embodied it."

- Saint Anthony

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.  To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

- St. Thomas Aquinas