𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗩𝗢𝗪𝗦 | 𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻, 𝗔 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱
Years of formation. Years of ministry. Years of learning to find God in all things.
On August 17, 2026, Fr. Arnel “Atong” T. Ong, SJ, President of Ateneo de Iloilo – Santa Maria Catholic School, professed his Final Vows in the Society of Jesus, marking a profound moment in his journey as a Jesuit and his definitive incorporation into the Society he has served through the years.
The intimate Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Xavier Olin, SJ, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, with Fr. Atong concelebrating alongside his brother Jesuits Fr. Guilbert Emmanuel "Nono" Levosada, SJ and Fr. Braulio “Bong” Dahunan, SJ.
In his homily, Fr. Ambrosio Flores looked back on Fr. Atong’s journey, sharing stories and glimpses of the person behind the priest and the years that have shaped his life in the Society. It was a fitting reflection for a celebration that was not simply about arriving at a milestone, but about a life continually offered in response to God’s call.
Also present to share in the occasion were Jesuits Fr. Irmo Francis Valeza, SJ; Fr. Raymund Benedict Hizon, SJ; Fr. Eli Rowdy Lumbo, SJ; Fr. Edwin Castillo, SJ; and Fr. Neupito Saicon, SJ, together with Msgr. Ramon “Nonoy” Masculino and Fr. Dennis Galon, who were at Ateneo de Iloilo for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The occasion was made even more meaningful by the presence of Fr. Atong’s brother, religious sisters, friends, and members of the Ateneo de Iloilo faculty and staff. In their company, what is among the most significant moments in the life of a Jesuit became a quiet and deeply personal celebration of friendship, community, vocation, and mission.
For the Ateneo de Iloilo community, Fr. Atong’s Final Vows offer another glimpse into the vocation at the heart of Jesuit education: a life continually placed at the service of Christ and His mission.
As Fr. Atong continues his mission as a Jesuit and as President of Ateneo de Iloilo, we accompany him with our prayers and gratitude, trusting that the same call that began his journey will continue to lead him toward ever greater service.
𝘼𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙟𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙢 𝘿𝙚𝙞 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙢
Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School
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