From 2017 to 2023, Fr Antonio Moreno SJ served as president of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific, and on 31 January 2024, he handed over the role to Fr Primitvo Viray Jr SJ. A simple but heartfelt celebration was held at the Arrupe International Residence in Manila to mark the end of Fr Moreno’s term as president. Many friends and colleagues attended the event, Jesuits and mission partners alike.

Fr Moreno celebrated the Mass, with Fr Viray concelebrating, in the community chapel. Afterwards, the spacious refectory was filled to the brim with members of the community and guests for dinner. There was a hum of energy that led up to a short programme for Fr Moreno, who pulled up a chair in front to witness the tributes.

The scholastics prepared a song—“Sometimes” by The Carpenters and one of Fr Moreno’s favourite songs—beautifully accompanied by Fr Arnel Aquino SJ on the piano. Fr Riyo Mursanto SJ, rector of Arrupe House, also gave a speech thanking Fr Moreno for his accompaniment and care for the community. Fr Viray, who spoke last, said, “I have witnessed Tony’s edifying example of embracing the Missio Dei in his life, especially in these past years as President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific.”

Fr Moreno and Fr Viray first met as novices when Fr Viray entered the novitiate of the Philippine Province one year after Fr Moreno. Fr Viray recalled a letter received from Fr Moreno upon entering, welcoming him and sharing spiritual advice for the journey ahead. “During the novitiate formation, we were introduced to a radical way of life, a lifelong journey of learning and choosing to entrust ourselves totally to the Lord,” shared Fr Viray. Certainly many of the scholastics present found consolation in these words, as well as inspiration from their enduring friendship. “He is a man on a mission, always grateful and trusting in the Lord, and seeking only to fulfil the Missio Dei.”

Visibly touched, especially during the song, Fr Moreno then took the opportunity to thank everyone in the room with characteristic humility and humor. He was presented with a small statue of the Blessed Virgin from the community of Arrupe International Residence, with Fr Riyo Mursanto noting his devotion to Our Lady. The JCAP staff gifted Fr Moreno with a book of written tributes and photographs collected over the years of his term.

View more photos from the handover here.