Help Visayas
A call has gone out for donations for the relief efforts for survivors of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in Central Visayas earlier this month, affecting more than 3 million people. The refrain, “Tabang Visayas” (Help Visayas), is being used by Jesuit work Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) and Ateneo de Cebu as they work together to respond to cries for assistance from the affected communities in Bohol. Donations will be used to provide for the immediate needs of the least and unreachable communities in the province of Bohol.
Re-creating the Apostleship of Prayer in Asia
What is the face of the Apostleship of Prayer in Asia? This was the main question delegates at the 5th Apostleship of Prayer Asian Conference had to address as they gathered to discuss how to re-create the apostolate.
Collaborating for education in Myanmar
Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) in the Philippines has been working with the St Aloysius Gonzaga English Language Institute (SAG) in Myanmar to enhance its capabilities.
Ateneo de Naga celebrates 75 years
Ateneo de Naga University has begun a three-year celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2015. University president Fr Primitivo Viray Jr SJ said that they are in the process of looking back at their own history as well as looking forward to the future, which he considers their frontier.
Loving the Poor
Xavier University undergraduate Mary Joy Conquilla never dreamt that she would ever build a house as a gift, but she recently did just that in a Jesuit education programme conceived to encourage students to apply Ignatian pedagogy in their everyday lives.
Jesuit response to Mindanao crisis
The Jesuits in the Philippines have called for support for the people affected by the recent standoff between the Philippines government and a Muslim separatist group in Mindanao. In a letter dated September 13, Philippine Provincial Fr Antonio Moreno SJ said, “I strongly appeal to our Jesuit communities, ministries and partners in apostolates to pray for peace, perhaps organizing or joining prayer assemblies, initiating or participating in discussion groups and inter- faith initiatives that promote solidarity.”
Thirteen Jesuits ordained deacon in Manila
“Carry your cross!” This was the challenge of Bishop Honesto Ongtioco to the 13 Jesuit deacons he ordained on September 14, 2013. The Jesuit ordinands included nine from the Philippine Province – Manases L Amanence SJ, Guillrey Anthony M Andal, SJ, Antonio M Basilio SJ, Eric Anthony S Escandor, SJ, Erik John J Gerilla SJ, Jose Emmanuel A Liwanag SJ, Ruben B Orbeta Jr SJ, Neupito J Saicon SJ, and Irmo Fracis A Valeza SJ.
The Spiritual Exercises in installation art
Three Filipino Jesuits came up with an interactive version of the Spiritual Exercises for Ateneo de Manila University’s Ignatian Festival in July. Using installation art, Br Eric Esteba SJ, Sch Alvin Laput SJ and Sch Eric S Escandor SJ developed CONTEMPLATIO, a 45-minute prayer exercise designed mainly for young people who want to deepen their faith and enrich their Ignatian identity.
70 years a Jesuit
This is Fr John J (Jack) Carroll’s 70th year as a Jesuit. At 89, he has spent most of his priesthood in the Philippines, where he was assigned just three years after entering the New York Province in 1943. The Philippines was then a mission of the New York Province. Fr Jack says, “I saw my life’s work here.” When he took his final vows in 1960, it was as a member of the Philippine Province.