“Sus, pues heme aquí.” (I am your man—send me.)

These words, inspired by the words of St Francis Xavier, expressed Fr Joseph Haw’s commitment to the Society of Jesus as he pronounced his Final Vows on 19 March at the Sacred Heart Chapel of Xavier School in San Juan City, Philippines.

Now serving as president of Xavier School, Fr Haw reflected on the consistent hospitality and care that have shaped his life, from the love of his parents to the support of the Society of Jesus. “Hospitality and care were not just values I learnt from my family. They were also the ways in which God has revealed Himself to me,” he shared, recalling his life’s journey and the people who had walked with him along the way.

He spoke about the tangible and spiritual support he had received in the Society. “Through the years, the Society has clothed me, fed me, and educated me—offering care and support in every way, from HMO benefits to funeral arrangements. More importantly, the Jesuits and the communities I have been privileged to serve have been living signs of God’s generosity,” he said. “And with a God like this, who would not be moved to be generous and hospitable as well?”

L-R: Fr Robbie Sian SJ, Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin SJ, Fr Joseph Haw SJ, and Fr Jun Bugtas SJ.

Fr Haw also shared a special connection to St Joseph, whose feast day coincided with the celebration. As the Custodian of the Redeemer and the protector of the Holy Family, St Joseph’s hospitality and care resonated deeply with him. “[These are] virtues I believe I am called to exercise in my ministry as a Jesuit,” he said, explaining his decisions to profess his Final Vows on the Solemnity of St Joseph.

Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin SJ received Fr Haw’s vows on behalf of Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ, while Fr Robbie Sian SJ, a long-time friend and former colleague from their time leading Ateneo de Iloilo–Sta Maria Catholic School, gave the homily.

Fr Sian noted Fr Haw’s ability to bring out the best in others, stressing the three Cs he possesses: Competence, Chinese-entrepreneur wisdom and willpower, and Categorical concern for people.

“Let your God-given giftedness with those three Cs continue to mark all your endeavours as an expression of your faith and hope in Him,” Fr Sian said to Fr Haw. “So that your works, especially here in Xavier School, will, like God’s promise to David, ‘be made firm and endure always.’”