@ JCEAO OFFICE
The Assistancy website www.jceao.net is now sporting a new look. Set up over a month ago, it is based on Mambo, an open-source content management system. One of its best features is the ease in publishing the latest Assistancy news. In the near future, we hope to tap more of its functionalities to provide you better services.
@ INTERNATIONAL WORKS (AIR, EAPI, EAO Tertianship)
Arrupe International Residence (AIR)
Fr. Meehan was awarded the San Ignacio de Loyola Medallion by Loyola School of Theology at ceremonies commemorating LST’s 40th anniversary on Wednesday, September 7. The San Ignacio de Loyola Medallion is the highest and most prestigious Award of Loyola School of Theology. The Medallion was awarded in recognition of Fr. Meehan’s “dedicated and invaluable service to Loyola School of Theology these many years.” We honored his award at dinner on Sunday, September 11.
Two AIR community members, Ahilaraj and Roy Fernando – both from the Sri Lanka Province, were ordained deacons together with three men from the Philippine Province, on September 10. Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco of Cubao was the ordaining prelate at the Oratory of St. Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies. Rogel Abais, also from the Philippine Province, was ordained priest in the same ceremony.
Fr. Nicolás conferred the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte on 21 of our community on Tuesday, September 13. Fr. Meehan gathered the group ahead of time to explain the Ministries and the rite of their conferral. Those who received the Ministries are: Adrian, Agustinus, Alvin, Bert, Bill, Francis, Haroon, Imran, Jeevan, Joseph, Jub, Lac, Manny, Richard, Stephen, Thang, Titus, Wilbert, William, Wilson and Yoht.
Fr. Tom O’Gorman went to Myanmar to direct a retreat for the priests of the Archdiocese of Yangon on 14 September. He also visited the Jesuit communities in Yangon and Taunggyi. He returned to Manila on 27 September.
East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI)
On Vatican II Courses
Starting on Sept. 5th, the course on Vatican II branched out into two sub-courses, namely, ‘Deepening Theological Themes’ and ‘Exploring Pastoral Strategies’. This implies that simultaneous modules are given to respective participants of these two sub-courses to focus more on particular aspects of the course’s design.
Deepening Theological Themes (DTT)
From Sept.5-9, Fr. John Fuellenbach, SVD, gave his sessions on “The Kingdom of God”. From Sept. 12th – 17th, Sr. Kathleen Coyle, SSC, an EAPI staff member, presented her module on “Paradigm Shifts in Theology” and she would follow this up with a lecture on “Marian Theology”. After this, Fr. Jeyaraj Rasiah, S.J., Fr Luc Mees, M.J. and Sr. Amelia Vasquez, RSCJ, all staff members, will share in giving the module on “Theology of Religions. Afterwards, the participants of DTT will have their exposure in different charitable institutions and parishes by the end of September. Course break follows.
On Oct. 3-8, Dr. Georg Evers gives his sessions on “The Church of Asia (FABC)”. He would also the main speaker during the EAPI Alumni Homecoming on Oct. 4th at 3:00 p.m. on the topic, “Challenges to the Churches in Asia Today”. On the week of Oct. 10-14, Fr. Felix Wilfred will have his sessions on “The Church Today”. Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD, will give his module on “Contemporary Moral Issues” on Oct. 17-22. And, on Oct. 24-28, Fr. Mark Koo, SJ will give his sessions on “ Symbols and Sacraments”.
Exploring Pastoral Strategies (EPS)
Dr. Megan McKenna conducted her modules on “Preaching the Hard and Joyful Word of Mark and the Hopes of Vatican II”. Dr. McKenna also gave an evening lecture on “Breakfast on the Beach and Walking Together”, based on the Gospel of John, Chapter 21, on Sept. 13th. An overflow crowd came to listen to this lecture. From Sept. 19th-28th, Ms. Carmencita Rojas gave a module on “Pastoral Use of the Bible”. This was followed with a 3-day course break.
On Oct. 19-27, Mr. Earnest Tan will give his sessions on “Basic Counseling Skills”.
Other News
Fr. Joe Sebastian, the Provincial of Andhrapradesh, visited EAPI and stayed over for lunch. Fr. Jose Mario C. Francisco, the former Director, has left for Boston College to teach for a year being named as the Gasson Professor for the Academic Year 2005-06.