Fr Oliver Dy SJ solemnly professed his Final Vows on 12 September, memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary, at the Oratory of St Ignatius of Loyola, Loyola House of Studies (LHS) in Quezon City.
Before the Holy Eucharist raised by Philippine Provincial Fr Primitivo Viray Jr SJ, Fr Ody, as he is fondly called, pronounced his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Society of Jesus, together with a special concern for the instruction of children. He also promised a fourth vow of special obedience to the Sovereign Pontiff as regards the missions.
Concelebrating at Mass were Fr Xavier Olin SJ, LHS Rector, and Fr Ramon Ma L Bautista SJ, Fr Ody’s novice and tertian master, who also delivered a heartfelt homily that recalled Mary’s constant presence, following, and accompaniment in Fr Ody’s life.
“Imagine as early as when you were five years old, in Polomolok, Mary was already there present and involved in your life at that time as Our Lady of Lourdes. Then, as a young student, again, Mary came to you, but that time, as Our Lady of Fatima. Then, as a pre-novice in Arvisu, Mary was there again for you, this time as Our Lady of the Poor. And yes, even, as a doctoral student, as far as Louvain, Belgium, Mary persisted and followed you as Our Lady Seat of Wisdom,” he said.
Fr Ody entered the Society in 1998, pronounced his First Vows in 2000, and was ordained a priest in 2009. In 2011, he was sent to the Catholic University of Louvain where he earned his Master of Arts Degree in Theology and Religious Studies (2012), Licentiate in Sacred Theology Degree (2013), Doctor in Sacred Theology Degree (2017), and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Religious Studies (2017).
Upon return, he was sent to LHS, where he currently serves as community minister and consultor, as well as formator and prefect of studies for the Theologians subcommunity. He also teaches theology at the Loyola School of Theology.
Through the years, Fr Ody’s intimate relationship with Mary has been reflected in his human relationships. In his thanksgiving message, Fr Ody deeply remembered everyone, especially his family and friends, with whom he has shared companionship.
“It is in this companionship in our Lord that I experience redemption, that I discover and learn to dwell in that which is most human in me and you, that I touch gently and caress the truth of what is most truly human,” he said on the brink of tears.
He also warmly remembered the Jesuits of North America, even as he recalled the dedication of the LHS Oratory in 1965 on the same day as his Final Vows. He thanked them “who have dedicated their lives to the people of these islands and have helped shape the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus into what it is today”.
He then invited the young people to consider consecrated life as a meaningful life option today: “I pray that more people will choose consecrated life and become like the Lord’s new wine at the wedding at Cana, processually transforming us and our relationships from lack to fulfillment, from brokenness to wholeness, in our struggle to love every day.”
As he ended his message, Fr Ody turned to Mary with eyes flowing with his tears. Fr Mon said it rightly in his words to his former novice and tertian: “And that is why, Ody, even after your Final Vows, expect Mary’s faithful following, nurturing, and accompanying to continue. It should continue. It cannot be otherwise.”
Rogelio R Nato Jr is a Filipino Jesuit scholastic residing at Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University. He is in his first year of philosophy studies.