Fr Bong Dahunan SJ (left) and Fr Nono Alfonso SJ (right) profess their Final Vows before Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin SJ on separate occasions
Two Filipino Jesuits professed their Final Vows in the Society of Jesus just days apart, with Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin SJ accepting their vows on behalf of Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ.
Fr Braulio “Bong” Dahunan SJ made his Final Vows on 21 November, Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Ateneo de Iloilo-Sta Maria Catholic School in Iloilo City.
Fr Dahunan entered the Society of Jesus in 1999 and was ordained a priest in 2012. Looking back on his journey, he described it as “nothing less than a journey of grace—God walking with me through joys and struggles”. The occasion was especially meaningful as it coincided with his late mother’s birthday. “It is a tender grace that this celebration coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of Mary—a reminder that my mother and father first presented me to God’s love,” he shared, honouring his parents for their foundational role in his vocation.
He thanked the many people who have journeyed with him throughout his vocation, namely his family, relatives, and friends; his peers in the Society; his formators and spiritual guides; and his colleagues at Ateneo de Iloilo–Sta Maria Catholic School, where he currently serves as chaplain.
Reflecting on the mutual gift of accompaniment, he said, “My priesthood and my life as a Jesuit mean being a life-giving presence to others. But in truth, being with people—walking with them, laughing with them, listening to their joys and sorrows—is also deeply life-giving to me. In serving others, I have found life. In accompanying others, I have found God again and again.”
Fr Bong Dahunan (sixth from left) with fellow Jesuits
Two days later, on 23 November, Feast of Christ the King, Fr Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso SJ pronounced his Final Vows at the Chapel of St Peter Claver of the Jesuit Residence at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.
Fr Alfonso is the Philippine Province Assistant for Social Apostolate and Executive Director of Jesuit Communications Philippines. He also serves as the Conference Secretary for Social Communications.
He chose the date for his profession of Final Vows for two reasons: first, it was the feast of Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest martyred in Mexico for opposing the government’s ban on the Catholic Church and whose courage inspires him in his work in the social ministry, and second, it was also the birthday of his late mother, who passed away in 2017.
With characteristic humour, he remarked, “I forgot that today was the Feast of Christ the King. Sorry, Lord, I didn’t want to compete with you on your big feast.”
L-R: Fr Robbie Sian, homilist, Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin, Fr Nono Alfonso, and Fr Jett Villarin, Jesuit Residence Minister
Having joined the Society in 1997 and been ordained in 2008, Fr Alfonso acknowledged the many challenges he has faced in the Society and throughout his religious vocation but also said that he has consistently found joy, peace, and love.
“When I entered the Society almost 30 years ago, the dream in my mind was to become like the saints I admire in their holiness and love for God. But decades after, I have to admit that I am nowhere near that ideal,” he shared. “I was told I’m one of the oldest to pronounce the Final Vows…. In gratitude, and more than anything else, the Final Vows for me then are a second chance, another chance to fulfil that dream of becoming like the saints, becoming holier, more obedient, chaste, and poor.”
He referred to his Final Vows as a gift, thanking the Society for her love, patience, and trust. “I am even more grateful to her for allowing me to fly.”
