The Arrupe House community, together with friends from the Ateneo University academe and Jesuit houses, bid farewell to Fr. John Mace last May 30.
The goodbye celebration started with a Mass presided by Fr. Mace flanked by the previous rector, Fr. William McGarry and the incoming rector, Fr. Martin Surhartono Sanjoyo. Then dinner was served, followed by a simple program that reflected the diverse cultures of the community. The emcee, Sch. Pham Minh Thang, with Sch. Fernando Abing, brought the house down just by being naturally funny. Everyone expressed his thanks to Fr. Mace through songs sang from the heart. Two "senior" fathers gave speeches: Fr. Nicolas’ message was filled with the gratitude of the Assistancy, and Fr. Meehan’s was a very touching tribute set against Fr. Mace’s favorite musical, the Fiddler on the Roof. June 1st, Fr. Mace departed for the United States for a much-deserved rest after ten years of selfless service of a true Jesuit.
The turnover of the rectorship brought in fresh manpower for the community: with Fr. Martin as the new rector, Bro. Dinh Ngoc Tinh (ASL) the minister, Fr. William Currie (JPN), one of the spiritual fathers, and Fr. Pham Van Ai (ASL) as vice-superior of Juniors. A new era of Arrupe has begun.