Jesuit Formation

The Arrupe community’s monthly recollection on 25 August was graced by the presence of Dr. Onofre R. Pagsanghan, a teacher of the Ateneo de Manila High School since 1951. Mr. Pagsi, as he is popularly known to his friends and students, is one of the most revered pillars in Philippine education. Aside from teaching, he spends much of his time going around the country to give talks to teachers, principals and school superintendents.

From August 31 to September 02, the first ever EAO Training Program for new/possible Treasurers was conducted at St. Ignatius chapel, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Organized by Fr Noel Vasquez on behalf of the EAO Treasurers, and supported by the Major Superiors, the sessions were conducted by Fr Bob Grimm, No. 2 in the Curia’s Finance Office. There were 20 participants, including the present Treasurers. The training focused on the Jesuit and religious dimensions of the Treasurer’s responsibilities; it was not geared towards accounting or other practicalia.

At the head of the events in Arrupe House Jesuit community during the month of July is Fr Pham Minh-Uoc’s (ASL) departure for the EAO Major Superior’s Meeting in Macau. After which, he proceeds to Hiroshima, Japan for the second part of his Tertianship. Fr Minh-Uoc will be away from July 10 to September 25, 2006. In his absence, Fr Peter Momose Fumiaki (JPN) acts as the acting Vice-Superior for the Faber House community.

In his letter dated July 31, Fr Adolfo Nicolas, confirmed the change of residence of Fr Ludovico Ryu Hyomh-nyol (KOR) from Faber House to AIR and, as such, relieved of his duty as the Minister of Faber House community, which will be taken care by Br Dinh Ngoc Tihn (ASL), Minister of Arrupe House. Moreover, Fr Manny Flores (PHI), will reside in Faber House to accompany the community while at the same time retaining his office and work in AIR. On August 02, Fr Momose conducted the blessing of the Faber House.

Sch Joseph Muruga Kiarie (AOR) wrote on July 26: Faber House is a newly refurbished community for "international" Jesuit theologians, a sub-community of the Arrupe International Residence.

On July 31, Sch J Jiang forwarded this message: Today, the Scholastics and Brothers’ Circle of our Assistancy organized the Sports Fest. More than one hundred fifty Scholastics, Novices and pre-novices participated in this gathering. There are winners and losers after each game, but after all, we are all winners in the Lord and share the joyful moment together. Each year many new faces appear. We cherish the spirit of union in the Lord and praise the works of God among us.