On Saturday, 16 October, 17 Jesuits from Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Korea, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda were ordained as deacons by Most Rev Honesto Flores Ongtioco, Bishop of Cubao, in the Church of the Gesú, Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. The majority of the ordinands, 14 of them, come from the community of Arrupe International Residence, and three from the Loyola House of Studies.
We asked them to tell us a little bit about themselves.
Africanus Theobald Kimario (Tanzania)
I was born in Kilimanjaro Region (Province) in Tanzania. I am the fifth-born in my family of seven siblings. I went to Kilawoi Primary School in the same region between 1993 and 2000, then to Secondary School between 2001 and 2006. I joined the University of Dar es Salaam Computing Centre in Arusha town, where I studied Information Technology, while working at our family business. In July 2009, I joined the Society of Jesus. After my First Vows in 2011, I proceeded to Arrupe University College in Harare, Zimbabwe, for studies in Philosophy and Humanities, which I completed in 2015. Thereafter I was missioned to St Peter Claver High School in Dodoma, Tanzania, for Regency. In 2018, I was missioned to Arrupe International Residence in Manila for theology studies, which I am currently finishing.
Who is your favourite saint?
St Therese of the Child Jesus
What advice would you give someone entering the seminary?
Be yourself, allow yourself to be formed.
Aloysious Lubega (Uganda)
I’m a Ugandan born on November 1986 in Masaka, central region of Uganda. I am the first of five siblings. Mum is still alive, while Dad has passed away. After finishing my BA in Education in 2009 and working for three years, I entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus in 2012 in Arusha, Tanzania. I did my philosophy in Arrupe College at the University of Zimbabwe. After finishing in 2016, I was sent for my Regency to South Sudan, where I taught at the Jesuit-run Mazollari Teachers’ College. I also worked at MAJIS Centre, assisting small-scale farmers in the rural areas of Rumbek. I have been in Manila from mid-2018, for my studies in theology at Loyola School of Theology. I am now in my fourth year, and looking forward to the mission that lies ahead.
Tell us about your community life in Arrupe International Residence.
My life at AIR has so far been enriching. Arrupe has given me a taste of the culture of Southeast Asia. Adjusting to a new culture has been both an exciting adventure and an opportunity for learning. I also enjoy the theological conversations with my fellow scholastics here at the residence.
What is your favourite Jesuit motto?
“Whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive … that is where God is” – attributed to St Ignatius.
John Bosco Dim Khawl Thang (Myanmar)
I was born in Tedim, Chin State, Myanmar on 13 May 1988. From primary to middle school, I studied in Saizang, Tedim Township and my high school years were spent at the Basic Education High School in Tedim.
I joined the Jesuit Candidacy Programme in Yangon in 2007 and was approved to start my Jesuit life as a novice in Maria della Strada Jesuit Novitiate in Taunggyi in 2009. I pronounced my First Vows in 2011 and proceeded to Juniorate in Arrupe International Residence in Manila in 2011.
My Philosophy formation was in Jakarta, Indonesia from 2012 to 2016. After that, I spent my Regency in Taunggyi as assistant director of the Jesuit Candidacy Programme from 2016 to 2018. I started theology studies in 2018 at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University.
Tell us about your community life in Arrupe International Residence.
In Arrupe International Residence, I am very happy to live with my Jesuit brothers from around Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe. It is a privilege to have my Jesuit formation in an international and multicultural community. I feel the concrete expression of what it means to be a Jesuit who is expected to think globally and act locally in living out my vocation and carrying out the mission in companionship with others in the Lord.
How would you describe Ignatian Spirituality?
I like the description of Ignatian Spirituality as a “mysticism of open eyes”, which is also a way of being “contemplative even in action”. It is a way of life which encourages one to integrate one’s prayer life and active life for the common good and God’s greater glory in the world.
Edryan Paul J Colmenares (Philippines)
I was born and raised in Iloilo City. I’m the eldest of four siblings. Before I entered, I studied Applied Mathematics at Ateneo de Manila University. This was where I also got to know more Jesuits because some of them were teaching, doing campus ministry, and even helping out in Youth For Christ-Ateneo. I was accepted to the Society and entered the Novitiate on May 30, 2011. Since then, I’ve met wonderful people in various assignments and apostolates from Sapang Palay to Vocation Promotions, to Ateneo Christian Life Community to Ateneo de Zamboanga, to Payatas and to Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan.
Who is your favourite Jesuit saint?
Aside from Ignatius, it would be Alberto Hurtado.
When you think back on your Jesuit formation, what stands out for you?
My Regency in Zamboanga.
Joseph Hoang Thanh Phong (Vietnam)
I was born in Vietnam. Before joining the Society of Jesus, I studied Human Resource Management at the Ho Chi Minh City Open University. Then, I joined the Vietnamese Jesuit Novitiate in 2011, and took my First Vows in 2013. After that, I studied Philosophy in St Joseph Scholasticate of the Vietnamese Province, and was then sent to Laos for two years for my Regency. In 2018, I was sent to Manila for my Theology at the Loyola School of Theology. I am going to finish my Theology in 2022 and return to Laos for my ministry.
How would you describe Ignatian Spirituality?
Ignatian Spirituality is a way that begins with our own encounters with Christ, that, first, transform us, and then make us become Jesus’ disciples who are sent to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to our brothers and sisters.
Describe your Jesuit vocation… in five words.
God is with me always!
John Hyeong-gyu Ji (Korea)
I’m Hyeong-gyu from Korea. Here, I use my baptismal name, John. I was born in Bucheon which is located between Seoul (the capital of S Korea) and Incheon (famous for the international airport). I studied classical music at Seoul National University. After finishing my bachelor’s and military service, I entered the Society of Jesus at 26 in 2012. Almost all of my formation was in Korea except this fouth year of theology in the Philippines. I’ve been living here for two months, so far so good. Despite many lockdowns and restrictions due to Covid-19, I still have many things I can enjoy. Friendships (Arrupeans teasing each other), delicious food, walking between big green trees, Netflix shows, etc. But quizzes and assignments are not included. Oh, cockroaches, too.
Who is your favourite Jesuit?
Oh, I miss Fr Robert K McIntosh who passed away three years ago. He was a missionary from the States (Wisconsin) to Korea. He was a simple guy full of humor, and also a man of prayer. He reminded me of the reason for our existence, that we live for others. He said that it would be better to die and stay with God if we think of ourselves only as Saint Paul mentioned (Phil 1: 23-24), but we are here for others. He showed me through his words and deeds that he never forgot this wisdom of faith. I hope I can constantly find the true meaning of my life in the service of others as Fr McIntosh did.
What is your favourite method of prayer?
I like praying with the Psalms. I usually start and end my day with Psalms. The words and expressions in Psalms are very simple and touching. I want to make my prayer as simple as it can be. Psalms help a lot. And the fact that Jesus also prayed with the same Psalms we pray consoles me, too.
Simon Kam Sian Muan (Myanmar)
I was born on the 20 December 1987 in a village called Darkhai in Chin State in the western part of Myanmar. I entered the Jesuit novitiate in Taunggyi, Myanmar in 2008. I came to Arrupe International Residence here in Manila in 2010 for my Juniorate. Then I moved to Jakarta for philosophy studies from 2011 to 2015. After finishing my studies there, I went back to Myanmar for regency from 2016 to 2018 where I was assigned to our Jesuit schools. Currently, I am studying theology at Loyola School of Theology in Manila.
What do you love about the Society of Jesus?
Throughout my Jesuit formation, I find the universal perspective of the Society of Jesus very significant. Wherever I go – be it in my own country or outside – the sense of universal identity of the Society and perspective of the mission is fundamental to our formation.
What is your favourite Jesuit motto?
My favorite Jesuit motto is contemplative in action. It is the prayerfulness or attentiveness to God’s call in any given situation, while fully alive and engaged in concrete actions.
Joseph Jung-Hyun Kim (Korea)
I was born in a beautiful city called Busan in Korea. My dream before entering the Society was to become a baseball player. But I quit baseball because I was injured in my leg, like Ignatus de Loyola. After that, I majored in trade at university and entered the Society of Jesus in 2012.
What is your favourite Jesuit motto?
Finding God in All Things, Ad maiorem Dei gloriam
Who is your favourite saint?
I’m sorry, not a Jesuit saint. I like Saint Barnabas. It’s also my nickname. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord by his example. “Barnabas” means “son of consolation”.
“Comfort, comfort my people” (Isaiah 40). I really want to be a Jesuit who comforts the people of God.
Joseph Le Dac Thang (Vietnam)
I am Le Dac Thang (just call me Thang), 33 years old. I was born and grew up in the countryside of a small province in the middle of Vietnam. I am the fifth of six siblings in my family. Right after I graduated from the College of Economics in my hometown in 2010, I moved to Ho Chi Minh City in the south to join the Jesuit candidacy house, where I spent one year of pre-novitiate. After two years in the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ Novitiate of the Vietnamese Province, I took First Vows on 31 May 2013. From 2013 to 2016, I studied philosophy in Saint Joseph’s Jesuit Scholasticate in Vietnam. From 2016 to 2018, I did my Regency in Laos. Since 2018 I have been living in Arrupe International Residence, and studying theology at the Loyola School of Theology.
When you think back on your Jesuit formation, what stands out for you?
God is always patient with me.
What advice would you give someone entering the seminary?
Be grateful for the gift of religious vocation.
Paul In-Je Lee (Korea)
I was born in Uiseong, Korea. I entered the Society of Jesus in 2012 and studied philosophy and theology in Korea. Now I reside in Arrupe International Residence and prepare for the last year of my theology period here.
What is your favorite subject in theology?
I learned the knowledge I should know and further how to live as a religious man in ecclesiology. It was both theoretical and practical, and the professor profoundly influenced how I should integrate these two aspects by showing how she tried to do it. Even now, what I learned at that time is still very helpful when I reflect on myself.
What is your happiest moment as a Jesuit?
When I was a novice, I was tormented by myself about my weakness; it lasted for more than six months. Then, one day, I experienced in my prayer that I was fully accepted by God regardless of my limitations. It was the best moment that I experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness in the Society, for I have been able to feel more comfortable and free since then.
Lloyd V Sabio (Philippines)
I was born and raised in Magarao, Camarines Sur. I finished college in Ateneo de Naga University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education major in Biology-Chemistry. I am a professional teacher and taught Chemistry to 3rd year high school students in Ateneo de Manila High School from 2006 until 2011, when I joined the Jesuits.
When you think back on your Jesuit formation, what stands out for you?
My Regency assignment in Ateneo de Zamboanga University from 2016 to 2018 was the best stage of my Jesuit life. We were blessed with a good and supportive Jesuit community. We were given a lot of opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow as Jesuits. It never felt like we were working (we had a lot of responsibilities) because I thought every aspect of it–our Jesuit companions, colleagues at work, the students assigned to us and, yes, even their parents–was vocation-confirming. That’s why I always look forward to going back and serving there someday.
How is it like to be ordained during a pandemic?
To say that it’s challenging is an understatement. The pandemic has changed us in many ways and on many levels. Suddenly the things that used to work no longer work this time. But it has also opened a lot of opportunities to minister to people. I think that’s one of the best things about being ordained during this time because we get to explore our creative side in making sure that we live up to our mission as servants of God.
Marito Carlos Monteiro (Timor-Leste)
I studied both primary and junior high school in Viqueque, and senior high school in St Joseph College in Dili. I Entered the Society on 22 April 2007. After that, it was more studies for me: I studied BA History and then MA Philosophy at Loyola College, Chennai. Now I am studying Theology at the Loyola School of Theology in Manila.
What do you love about the Society of Jesus?
The Society of Jesus gives me greater freedom to grow in various aspects of my formation, such as affective, apostolic, community, intellectual, and spiritual life.
Tell us about your community life in Arrupe International Residence.
Residing in Arrupe International Residence is indeed a blessing for me. It enriches my life as a Jesuit, particularly experiencing the universal Society. Furthermore, Arrupe International Residence offers me opportunities to grow and know more about the Jesuit scholastics from JCAP and other provinces like Eastern African Province, African Northwest Province, Euro Mediterranean Province, and the Jesuit Conference of South Asia. These encounters with different Jesuits can help in building relationships and networks for the ministry of the Society of Jesus. In a nutshell, I have found community life in Arrupe to be joyful, friendly, and supportive.
Marlon T Fabros (Philippines)
I was born in Calamba, Laguna. I had my college studies at the University of the Philippines – Diliman where I took up BS Statistics. Prior to joining the Society of Jesus, I worked as an analytics officer for credit card companies. I seriously considered joining the Society of Jesus after two years of working, and finally entered the novitiate in 2010. For my regency, I taught at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Junior High School and at Ateneo de Naga Junior High School. For the first two years of my theological studies, I stayed in Arrupe International Residence.
When you think back on your Jesuit formation, what stands out for you?
My Regency years stands out for me. Maybe because during this stage of Jesuit formation, I was able to meet and build friendships with a lot of people (students and colleagues alike). It was quite challenging, and yet filled with fun moments with others.
What advice would you give someone entering the seminary?
Be your most authentic self.
Matthew Narongrit Daorueangphadung (Thailand)
I was born in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. I am the youngest of five children; I have two elder brothers and two elder sisters. I studied at Nakian primary school, and Omkoi Vitthayakom secondary school and high school. I entered the Society of Jesus on 28 April 2009. I studied Philosophy in Jakarta, Indonesia from 2012 to 2016, and did my Regency in the Loyola Candidacy House in Sampran from 2016 to 2018. Finally, I am doing my theological studies at Loyola School of Theology.
What is the first thing you will do after your ordination?
After ordination, the first thing I want to do is to work as a parish priest—my reason is to accompany the faithful as a good shepherd by listening and sharing faith, hope, and love of the Lord.
What is your favorite Jesuit motto?
Cura Personalis. It is a call for you and me to love ourselves and others. It is to love the entire person, the entire gift of life from God given to each one of us.
Thomas Pham Ngo Hoang Dung (Vietnam)
I am 36 years old, born in Can Tho Province, Vietnam. After graduating from High School, I joined the candidacy house of the Society of Jesus in 2003. At the time, I studied at the Open University in Ho Chi Minh, with a major in Information Technology. I had plenty of memorable experiences living in the candidacy house for seven years. In 2010, I entered the novitiate and took my First Vows in 2012. After my vows, I did one year of Juniorate and then two years of philosophy at Saint Joseph Scholasticate in Vietnam. I was then sent to Thailand for Regency in 2015. After three years of Regency, I moved to the Philippines for theology. Now I am in my fourth year of theology studies at the Loyola School of Theology.
When you think back on your Jesuit formation, what stands out for you?
Three things stand out for me: first and second are patience and care. These two things I learned from my formators and the many people whom I have had the chance to live with. Finally, companionship or friendship. I have Jesuit friends with whom I can share freely about my life, including my happiness and even my troubles and struggles.
What is your favourite method of prayer?
My favorite method of prayer is using my imagination with all my senses.
Augustine Hyunwoo Roh (Korea)
I was born in Kimcheon, Korea. There are five people in my family, including me, my parents, and two younger brothers. I majored in law at university. I joined the Air Force in 1999 and fulfilled my military service for two and a half years. I joined the Jesuit in 2011 and studied philosophy at Sogang University Graduate School. I spent three years teaching children in Cambodia for my Regency, and returned to Korea to major in theology at Sogang University Theological Graduate School. After three years of theology in Korea, I am spending my fourth year of ordination theology in the Philippines.
Tell us about your community life in Arrupe International Residence.
Two months have passed since I came to the Arrupe community. There is a different joy to live with brothers from all over the world. Of course, I lived in an international community in Cambodia, but life with my fellow brothers who are in the same process is more dynamic, and it is good to be able to do many activities together. I hope it will be an opportunity for my thinking horizons to widen in various thoughts and cultures. I hope to continue to develop friendships with brothers whom I might work together in the future.
What is the greatest challenge of your Jesuit vocation?
The most challenging, but also an opportunity, in my Jesuit life was to be dispatched to Cambodia. I was embarrassed because I had no idea, and above all, I was afraid. However, it was time that I really needed to understand the mission of the Jesuits, and enjoy my life as a Jesuit. I learned a new language, adapted to a new culture, met new people, and did new things. Many questions I had about the Jesuits were naturally answered. Above all, it was a time of grace to solidify my vocation.
Thomas Machuki Ondieki (Kenya)
I was born in Kisii, Kenya in a family of 11 (9 siblings, 6 boys, and 3 girls). I studied at Gekano Primary School, Rigoma Secondary School, and St Thomas Gekano mixed Secondary School; entered the Society on 10 July 2009; did philosophy at Jesuits University, Harare Zimbabwe from 2011 to 2015; Regency in Loyola Secondary School, Wau, South Sudan from 2015 to 2018; , currently, theology at the Loyola School of Theology since 2018 until 2022.
What do you love about the Society of Jesus?
Companions are aware that they are sinners yet called to serve and be a man for others in the service and mission of Christ. A Jesuit is ready to work at the frontiers for the greater glory of God imbued in their mission. The special character of obedience embraced by Jesuits is so outstanding in response to their mission.
What is your favourite Jesuit motto?
Finding God in all things for the Greater Glory of God.
Watch the livestream of the ordination:
This article was updated on 18 October 2021