After much activity in June as new members shuffled in, and old ones tried to find their usual rhythm, Arrupe International Residence finally found its footing in the month of July. Indeed, with a few exceptions, the manner of proceeding in the last two months has been ‘ordinary’. With the FIFA World Cup Tournament, which had for awhile arrested the attention of a sizeable portion of the community, ended, and school registrations completed, the community settled down for the semester in earnest.
From July 1st to 7th, the community joined the Philippines Province in paying last respects to the late Bishop Francisco Claver S.J. Bishop Claver passed away on July 1 2010. Rest in Peace dear Cisco.
On July 25, Arrupeans braved torrents of rains to join the Philippines Province and friends of Jesuits in celebrating the Mass in honour of St. Ignatius of Loyola, at the Ateneo High School Covered Courts. The mass was presided over by the provincial of the Philippines Province, Fr. Jose C. J. Magadia S.J., and concelebrated by many Jesuits, and many guest priests. During this feast the Society was also commemorating the 400th death anniversary of Mateo Ricci S.J. Fr. Jerry Martinson S.J. (CHN) was the homilist. He offered rich reflections on the life of Ricci, particularly highlighting four characteristics of Ricci’s ministry in China: adaptation; friendship, service, and collaboration. The mass was colourful and animated by beautiful singing, and cultural dances. Later that evening Arrupeans joined the Philippines province for dinner to celebrate the feast of our founder, at the Richie Fernando Covered courts. A beautiful night with much entertainment and sumptuous dishes!
On July 31, on the actual feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Arrupeans joined other Jesuits-in-Formation (SBC) from JCAP, for the annual SBC sport fest in honour of St. Ignatius. As usual, the day was full of fun. The day ended with a community Mass in which Fr. Mark Raper S.J., the president of JCAP presided.
AIR also witnessed many ‘comings and goings’ in July and August. Fr. Benedict Jung S.J., the director of the Juniorate Program, who had been away in Spain for tertianship program since mid-June, returned to the community on August 3, having completed the 30-day retreat. Fr. Koichi Matsumoto S.J., the rector of AIR, attended JCAP Formators’ meeting in Beijing, China from August 2 to August 8.
Among our guests in July and August were Bishop Greg O’Kelly S.J., Auxiliary bishop of Adelaide, Australia, and Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, Auxiliary bishop of Pampanga, Philippines. The two bishops presided at our mass on July 5. Various regional superiors and delegates came to Arrupe to visit their men. Fr. Paul Pollock S.J., the Superior of Thailand and Myamnar Region came on July 26, Fr. Luciano Morra S.J., Chinese Province formation delegate, from August 6-15, and Fr. Veerasan Yogeswaran S.J., Sri Lankan Province formation delegate, from August 20-24. To all our guests we say: Thank you and come again!
Between July 15th and 16th, our theologians attended a Biblical Studies Forum with the theme: Doing Biblical Studies in the East Asian Context, organised by Loyola School of Theology, in collaboration with the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP), and hosted by LST at its Cardinal Sin Hall. The forum featured two public lectures, one by Dr. Gina Henz-Piazza (“Biblical Studies as Contextual Studies”) and, the other by Sr. Rekka Chennattu, RA (“Doing and Teaching Biblical Studies in the Asian Context”).
On July 16 and August 20, AIR had its monthly days of recollection facilitated by Frs. Eko Budi Santoso Agustinus S.J. and Frank G. Doyle S.J., respectively. The Juniors had a short excursion to the Old Manila City on August 15, and the theologians took an afternoon off their routines to “go bowling” in Eastwood—a short sub-community outing.
AIR continues with preparations to mark its 20th anniversary, now officially scheduled for November 14, 2010. The anniversary is now the central theme of many house meetings. A few former members of AIR are expected to grace the occasion with their presence. Pray for AIR!
Compiled by Schs. Omolo Christopher O. and Eric Simiyu W.