Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Tells Hillsdale College Graduates, 'Do Not Hide Your Faith Amid Politically Correct Culture'

May 16, 2016 01:43 PM EDT

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently told Hillsdale College graduates to simply be "good citizens" and stand up for their faith in a culture consumed with political correctness.

"I admit to being unapologetically Catholic, unapologetically patriotic and unapologetically a Constitutionalist," Thomas, 67, told graduates during his commencement address over the weekend, according to Fox News.

"Do not hide your faith and your beliefs under a bushel basket, especially in this world that seems to have gone mad with political correctness...As you go through life, try to be that person whose actions teach others how to be better people and better citizens."

He added, "At the risk of understating what is necessary to preserve liberty in our form of government, I think more and more that it depends on good citizens, discharging their daily duties in their daily obligations."

In continuing his comments, Thomas cautioned students to avoid attempting to "change the world" or making government service a priority.

"I resist what seems to be some formulaic or standard fare at commencement exercises, some broad complaint about societal injustice and at least one exhortation to the young graduates to go out and solve the stated problem or otherwise to change the world," he said.

"Having been where you are, I think it is hard enough for you to solve your own problems, not to mention those problems that often seem to defy solution. In addressing your own obligations and responsibilities in the right way, you actually help to ensure our liberty and our form of government."

Thomas also alluded to the current vacancy on the high court left by the death of fellow conservative, Justice Antonin Scalia, calling it a "most difficult term."

"Over the almost 25 years that we were together, I think we made the court a better place for each other," Justice Thomas said about his late colleague. "He was kind to me when it mattered most, in those early days."

Justice Thomas is recognized as the most conservative member of the Supreme Court since his nomination by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. The Detroit News reports that the college, located in Hillsdale, Michigan, also abides by conservative values, having challenged affirmative action policies in court and eschewing all federal and state funding in favor of private aid. In addition, its board of trustees has previously passed resolutions critical of the Obama administration.