As we continue to celebrate the 500th Year of St. Ignatius’ conversion, we also recognize and give appreciation to our Jesuit priests’ long years of service as educators, heads of apostolic missions rendering community service, retreat masters, parish priests, counsellors, among others.
In many religious communities, Jubilee is celebrated on the 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75 and 80 plus years of profession in the community. In the Old Testament world, the time of Jubilee was taken very seriously and with great joy.
Today’s connotation of Jubilee comes from Latin meaning ‘to shout with joy’; hence, the reason for using this word in a manner of celebration.
It is in the spirit of gratitude that we therefore invite you to donate to the Elderly and Infirm Fund in order to defray the increasing costs of care of our elderly and infirm Jesuits.
In honor of his 80 years as a Jesuit in May 2021, the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus is pleased to announce the Fr Roque Ferriols SJ Suscipe Fund.
The Suscipe Fund named after the famous prayer, “Receive, O Lord” of St Ignatius of Loyola at the end of the Spiritual Exercises, is launched not only to honor our Jesuit Jubilarians but also to raise funds for the support of our infirm and elderly Jesuits. With an increasing number of them needing special and individual attention, the Philippine Province is taking active steps to ensure support for their care.
The fund is made possible through the generosity of Mr. Manuel V Pangilinan.
Fr Provincial Primitivo Viray Jr. SJ was extremely gratified by Mr Pangilinan’s response, saying in his note of gratitude, “Your continued generosity will greatly help in defraying one of the Society’s biggest expense items and ensuring that our beloved Lolo Jesuits like Fr Ferriols and Fr Catalino Arevalo (also celebrating 80 years in the Society) continue to receive the best care.”
On his part, Mr Pangilinan stated “It would take a truly hardened heart to turn deaf to this request. Happy to do this.” Mr Pangilinan has often stated that Fr. Ferriols, his Ateneo de Manila Philosophy professor, taught him many lessons that remain with him to this day.
Mr. Pangilinan’s donation serves as the Suscipe Fund’s seed contribution and it is hoped that other friends and benefactors will likewise contribute in prayerful gratitude for the lives and missions of our Lolo Jesuits.
PHILIPPINE PESO DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO: PHILIPPINE JESUIT AID ASSOCIATION, INC (PJAA)
Online bank transfers
BPI family bank C/A 6861-0026-14
BDO S/A 0086-5001-6141
BPI Bills Payment to “PJAA” or “Phil Jesuit Aid Association” In place of a reference number, input your full name.
Tex Paurom, SJ (second from L, standing) with JHWC staff members and Jesuit priests.
No Jesuit is ever without a mission. The men in the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center (JHWC) are missioned to pray for the Society of Jesus and all of God’s people. These men are our prayer warriors, our constant intercessors both for the mission of the Province and especially for all our benefactors, our partners in mission.
Aged and infirm Jesuits have spent long years as teachers in our Ateneos, as parish priests, retreat directors, and counselors. Now they need care themselves.
From formation until death, the Philippine Province assumes costs of training, living, health and medical expenses of our priests.
On average, there are 25-27 men in the JHWC. Cost of care are as follows:
Per Month, PHP
Per Year, PHP
Monthly medicine costs
529,000
6,348,000
Total cost of the JHWC
1,505,000
18,060,000
Figures as of 2016. Excludes diagnostic charges and professional fees.
Your support for their continued wellbeing is welcome. Click here to make a donation.
AAABC Board members, L to R: Gabe Pedrosa (AdMU GS ’80, HS ’84), Ed Faelnar (AdMU, Econ ’67), Gigi Grey-Ricarse (AdDU, AB Mass Comm ’92), Don Alinea (AdMU GS ’84, HS ’88), Rusky Carlos (AdMU GS ’94, HS ’98, College ’02), Oly Anastacio (AdMU Econ ’95) Neng Linag (AdZU BCS Acctg ’78), Bombit Ramirez AdMU AHS ’81, Tom Choy (AdMU AB Econ ’74)The Ateneo Alumni Association of British Columbia (AAABC) recently held a successful Members’ and Alumni Night last Saturday, Feb. 11 for the benefit of the elderly and infirm Jesuits of the Philippine Province. According to current AAABC President, Don Alinea, approximately 80 guests attended during which a presentation about the Provincial Infirmary was made. Under an agreement with Canadian Jesuits International, Canada based, Ateneo alumni can avail of tax privileges for donations made in support of the Philippine province.
In preparation for the event, Fr. Tex Paurom MD, SJ and scholastic Nathaniel Pagalan prepared a presentation video. Fr. Tex explained, most of the alumni Ateneans in BC may not be aware that there had been a recent general congregation to elect a new superior general. We decided to start and with the audience of the Pope to show how close the society of Jesus to the Church. Then we showed the new direction of the endeavors of the Jesuits under the helm of Fr. Sosa… Before they reach the Wellness Center… we showed how rigorous the training of the Jesuits and how they work till they are not able to…. this shows how active in the ministry these Jesuits in the wellness center. When it is their turn to need help, hopefully it would come across that these men have labored and deserve to be helped. When they help, they are not just helping the wellness center but helping the province and the global society to concentrate its resources in the different ministries and apostolates…. in short if they help the Jesuit health and wellness center, they are actually helping the entire province
Fr. Antonio Moreno, SJ, Provincial, Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus writes:
As we celebrated the bicentennial year of the society of Jesus’ Restoration, ten (10)* Philippine Province Jesuits were born to eternal life.(Since this article’s publication in the Windhover ,Year XVI, Vol. 4, 2014, two (2) more Jesuits have returned to Our Creator, namely: Fr.Vicente Marasigan, SJ and Fr.Jaime Bulatao, SJ).
We are most grateful for the many years of generous service these our brethren have rendered to the Society and to the Church; more so, for the inspiration and hope that their lives brought to ours. Each has his own gift to contribute. Some were scholars-men of depth and the relentless pursuit of truth. Others were tireless pastors who looked after the flock of the Lord. Some were leaders, others foot soldiers who faithfully accomplished the missions entrusted to them.
Despite their shortcomings and frailties, the Lord of the Vineyard called and sent them to be living witnesses of God’s loving presence in our world. We joyfully celebrate their lives and bless the Lord for giving these Jesuits to us. May St. Ignatius of Loyola recognize in them his true companions in this least Society of Jesus. And may Christ the Lord whom they served welcome them with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servants!”
Fr. Robert Cunningham
Fr. Robert Cunningham, SJ was 91.
“Towards the end of his Regency, on 14 March 1952, Bob wrote to Fr. Leo Cullum, Mission Superior, Bob had asked for transfer to the Philippines. He said, ‘I had no doubt whatsoever as to my decision when I first asked for a change and now I am even more determined that God has called me to work here in the Philippines for His greater honor and glory.'” – Fr. Bill Abbott, SJ
Fr. Joseph Smith, SJ
Fr. Joseph Smith, SJ was 87
“He was one of the few real scholars at LST. He never spoke without deliberation, research, reflection; one whose theological judgement one could trust, because it was always well-pondered. He took the trouble to read and check up on every footnote in a student’s paper and thus paid his students the tribute of taking them seriously and respectfully.” – Fr. Danny Huang, SJ
One single aspect we must note: the unobtrusive fidelity to his daily prayer, in the choir loft before and after his morning Mass, that very private Mass always celebrated with a quiet reverence: the daily prayer of the breviary, again with unfailing regularity of time and even place-overlooking the Marikina valley; the almost secret evening prayer-period, really hidden in the dark in the oratory, when most people had already retired. One scholastic once remarked at a community meeting that “Father’s unintended but constant example of faithful prayer was a rock of support for his (the scholastic’s) own life of faith” – Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ
Fr. John Schumacher, SJ
Fr. John Schumacher, SJ was 86.
“He was highly praised, then, by his intellectual peers and academic colleagues, but he was also a deeply vulnerable man as well. A giant of a scholar, a scholar’s scholar, but Fr, Jack was aware of his limitations and difficulties, struggling to be fair to those who thought differently than he did. A passionate scholar indeed, but a very human one who had very human needs like friendship and companionship.”
Fr. Jack considered his greatest legacy to be a readings book, not the many books he himself had written, but a compilation of extracts from primary sources whose targeted readers are scholastics, seminarians, lay and religious men and women, priests, If that does not tell us about where Fr. Jack’s final and ultinate hopes lay, then we have failed miserably to understand him as a Jesuit, Church historian, teacher, writer, mentor, translator,etc., whose life and work had always been discreetly dedicated and daily delivered to Jesus Christ and his Church. – Fr. Tony de Castro, SJ
Fr. Randolph Lumabao, SJ
Fr. Randolph Lumabao, SJ was 59.
“Randy had a way of expressing an opinion that drowned possible dissent, not because he was bigoted, but mainly on account of the high decibels produced when he passionately contented a point. However, there was a certain charm to Randy’s persistence, the sort of aural magnetism that a radio audience develops listening to a frank and forceful commentator. People often mistook Randy’s manner of speaking for what he actually meant. He was not afraid to speak his mind, even if it ruffled a few feathers. And ruffled them he did with gusto and style.
Yet behind Randy’s often abrasive manner was his love for humor. He would not spare a moment to share what he recently read or heard that tickled his funny bone… Oftentimes, Randy himself was the subject of these exchanges. He never minded anyway. At times he would even welcome jokes delivered at this expense. One time, in a chapel in Miarayon, after a particularly exhausting Mass, Randy plopped himself onto a wooden bench. the act was so abrupt that the bench squeaked loudly. Before the people could react, Randy uttered, ” Ngano man, karon pa kamo nakakita ng tambok nga pari (Why, is the the first time you’ve seen a fat priest)?” To which the congregation erupted in nervous laughter.” – Fr. Weng Bava, SJ
Fr. Aureo Nepomuceno, SJ
Fr. Aureo Nepomuceno, SJ was 93.
“He liked to joke about people, and so people also teased him. But he hardly got irritated. He was never pikon. His joy was to see people laugh with him. He was always jolly and cheerful. People enjoyed his company, his jokes and, at times, his naughty remarks. Our ministry in Zamboanga–given the conflicts, the threat of kidnap-for-ransom, the lack of security- was tough, and yet somehow we knew somebody would cheer us up. There was always laughter and fun because he was such a happy presence. We looked forward to coming home because there would be laughter and fun with Fr. Nepo around. Personally, I can say he kept me going amid the challenges I had to face, the decisions I had to make. He made my exercise of leadership bearable. He unknowingly had a way of easing my stress with this practical words of wisdom: ‘Don’t be too serious.'” – Fr. Tony Moreno, SJ
Fr. Thomas Steinbugler, SJ
Fr. Thomas Steinbugler, SJ was 84.
“One member of a European agency that supported the JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) wrote these lines:’Above all, I will remember him as a man of great solidarity with the plight of men, women, and children in sorrow, need and despair. Not one meeting with him has passed without Fr. Tom expressing his concern for people and organizations known to him and not being on the radar of international agencies like ours.” – Fr. Mark Raper, SJ
“In the latter years of his life, he was very actively involved in campus ministry activities here at the Ateneo de Manila. He loved to hear confessions for the recollections of the students. He would come well prepared, bringing an extra handkerchief for students when they would cry. He would spend much time with each student enabling the confession to a life-changing experience. He also loved to say Mass for the students, sometimes breaking down and crying during his homilies. Many students would maintain a lasting relationship with Fr. Stein, visiting him for spiritual direction at the Jesuit Residence and joining him for lunch. He loved his work in campus ministry and was saddened when his poor health no l0nger made it possible to leave the Jesuit Residence.”- Fr. Pat Giordano, SJ
Fr. John Carroll, SJ
Fr. John Carroll, SJ was 90.
“And perhaps, in a most privileged manner, those of us who have worked for what is now known as the John J. Carrol Insitute on Church and Social Issues beheld the light of his zeal shining most brightly, at times even glaringly. There were the strict work hours, The fear and trembling as we awaited comments from him for written submitted for his approval. His disdain for what he would call the “plotting and scheming” that would distract from more important tasks i the office. His wagging finger and sarcastic smile whenever work was not up to his standards..”His insistence on spartan work conditions-no aircon in the ICSI offices before 1pm (and no aircon at all in his office), not only to reduce the electricity bill, but because Fr. Jack insisted that the poor visiting us should see us united in their plight even in the smallest of ways. This was very meaningful, but as you can imagine it also made work at in the ICSI office uncomfortable at times. All this was a challenge for those working with him, but the burden was borne gladly because it represented who Fr. Jack was and what he was committed to. And in the end we realized, sometimes grudgingly, that we have become better persons because of it. Fr. Jack’s light burns on in the hearts of many whom he guided and inspired.” – Fr. Robert Rivera, SJ
Fr. Luis Candelaria, SJ
Fr. Luis Candelaria, SJ was 95.
“Whether you taught Latin, religion or theology, whether you taught English or conducted the Ateneo glee Club, you were always opening doors and windows to new experiences. Your were the consummate pedagogue, a picturesque word whose Greek roots mean one who leads children-like a shepherd leading the flock to verdant pastures and running streams.
Humor is what you had. Your child-like gift to enjoy the moment, to enjoy the warmth and affection of friends and family-your Jesuit family-is a treasure to be cherished. It is a gift that made you the happiest old man I have known, and who leaves only joyful memories. I hope in heaven you will be happier, when you meet Horace de la Costa and when you see Fr. George Gorrospe, whom we suspected was the one who stole your record in heaven’s Book of Life so that it took you such a long time to return home, St. Peter finally found your files and outwitted George.” – Fr. Rene Javellana, SJ
Fr. Victor Badillo, SJ
Fr. Victor Badillo, SJ was 84.
“He had a terrific nightlife like no other Jesuit; the roof deck at the Manila Observatory was full of excitement, a slow and ponderous awe. Watching Uranus and its moons rise over the Sierra Madre in the early hours of the morning-this was the best cocktail of physics and mysticism. He had no agenda and had many experiments on the side; the last one I remember was with orchids on the third floor. He was kind and uncomplicated in his ways, talking and inquiring about all things in a personal way. When we wanted to plant trees on the ground, he saw them as our stars that we like to watch grow, and so had the “green alert” team, and some joined him for the night sky also. He wrote to me when the first group of children graduated from the Bendum school in the mountains of Bukidnon, far away from his experience and daily life. He saw this as like his own Sunday apostolate. He was not rigid about his duty to science. He wrote again a kind letter to me when my mother died, as he did for many others, always thoughtful.” – Fr. Pedro Walpole, SJ
Fr. Ramon Mores, SJ
Fr. Ramon Mores, SJ was 86.
“As Prefect of Discipline in Ateneo de Davao, he was a man of order who kept the traditional practices. But beneath his strict and serious externals, Fr. Mon had a thoughtful, compassionate heart. He enjoyed giving candies that he received from his friends in the US to Children. And he would often give money to the Parish employees to buy banana-cue or ice cream for snacks. The Lumen Christi and the parish scholars are grateful for his support in promoting their bibingka project after Mass. He called them divine bibingka.” – Fr. Ben Sim, SJ
“Mon was not a noted theologian or an astute philosopher or an historian, but he was a Good Shepherd of souls and a good administrator. His presence lit up any room he entered; he was approachable, a simple Jesuit with many more blessings the Father in heaven will give him.” – Fr. Nick Cruz, SJ
Fr. Vicente Marasigan, SJ
Fr. Vicente Marasigan, SJ, Born 02 Nov 1918, Entered 30 May 1935, Died 29 Jan 2015
“I think Fr Mara’s greatest contribution came from service in these fields of his special studies and in related areas. Through the 50s, 60s, 70s he taught physics, astrophysics, cosmology, scientific questions to different groups at San Jose Seminary, Berchmans College in Cebu and Novaliches and the present Loyola School of Theology. I took one of his courses in Scientific Questions in Physics and felt that he was one of the best teachers I had ever had. He was amazingly sharp, clear and interesting. But he was a man with other interests and talents, and so he taught Spanish, Psychology of Education at Berchmans College, and Philosophy and Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University. I think he spent much time studying the writings of Bernard Lonergan. – Fr. Assandas Balchand, SJ
Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao, SJ
Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao SJ Born Sept 9, 1922, Entered May 30, 1939, Died Feb 10, 2015.
This month of February we celebrate birthdays of four (4) elderly Jesuits; namely, Fr. Simeon Reyes, SJ who was born in Feb 11, 1930; Fr. William McGarry born Feb 15, 1928, Fr. Robert Hogan SJ, born Feb 16, 1933 and Fr. Rafael Borromeo, born Feb 16, 1931.
I met Jesuit priest, Jaime Bulatao, Fr. Bu or Pabu to his students, during my freshman year as a Psychology major at the Ateneo de Manila University. When he was introduced to us during the Freshmen Orientation Seminar as the founder of the Ateneo Psychology Department, I told myself then that this guy must really be ancient enough to have that stature as a founder! To my surprise, he was a cheerful gray-haired priest who welcomed us to the Department of Psychology.
As we toured our home department, I noticed that he had the strangest room in the faculty area in the Bellarmine building. I used to wonder why his things were always in disarray until I was told how he preferred to keep his place that way because he would not be able to find what he needed if they were organized in another way. It wasn’t long before I got to know Fr. Bu as there was no way any psychology major would miss him in the department or along the halls of Bellarmine. It was a treat to be invited into his room full of books across a wide-range of topics and novel items not to be found elsewhere. He was always excited to show curious students like me his new finds from Quiapo — from rods of different shapes, to crystal balls of all sizes, and to what looked like anting-anting or amulets. Soon, I met his dwende friends who lived along the Balete tree along the Bellarmine sidewalk. Best of all, he enjoyed taking me on a “journey” through what I would later on learn to be “hypnosis.”
Inside the classroom, Fr. Bu was a teacher who demanded much from us but gave much more of himself. During my undergrad years, I had him for History of Psychology, Independent Research and Hypnosis. During my graduate years, although I did not pursue Counseling or Clinical Psychology, I took a class in Abnormal Psychology because he was the instructor. As always, he animated his students with a great deal of stories and trivia, and challenged us with exams that required much critical thinking. He was very open about discussing anything that interested us in class, as long as it was related to our discussion. However, he made it clear from the very start that he could not stand noisy students who disrupted the flow of the learning in class.
Once, during a lecture class in History of Psychology, I found myself chatting with my seatmate. Fr. Bu was always nice to me, thus, I never thought I would ever get his ire for what I thought was a casual conversation with the guy seated next to me. We sat across the teacher’s table and before we knew it, Fr. Bu threw a chalk at us to interrupt what must have appeared to be a more engaging discussion between two students right in the center of the classroom. Fortunately, the chalk did not hit my face but I got his point and never dared to do the same thing in any of his classes again.
He also expected us to come to class prepared to participate and contribute our thoughts or insights. He said he did not want to waste his time talking to himself as students sat passively in his class. Many of us took note of this but there was this one time when no one appeared to prepare or have the energy to participate in class. It must have been one of those hell weeks during our senior years when we could hardly keep up with our mounting requirements. Fr. Bu attempted to ask a few questions but no one offered any reply. After a few minutes, we were all surprised to see him pack up his stuff from the teacher’s table and walk out on us in the middle of the class! He remarked that it was absolutely pointless to go on with the course with a bunch of zombies. It was the first time Fr. Bu was known to have walked out on a class and we felt truly at a loss for words and strategies to get him back into the classroom that day or in the succeeding days. The class then decided to send one of our female classmates, known to be ever calm and sweet, as our emissary to apologize for our non-participation and persuade Fr. Bu to return to our class. He did not return to our class that day but in the succeeding days when he was finally convinced to resume our class, we knew we had to do our part in the learning process if he were to stay with us. Fr. Bu modeled and challenged us to make the most of every learning opportunity.
I have known Fr. Bu for more than half of my life. More appropriately, I guess, I should say that he has known me for more than half of my life. Fr. Bu has seen me through my undergrad and graduate studies, through my marrying and un-marrying years, and through the challenges of my parenting and teaching years. As always, he was unconditional with his support for me in whatever I decided to pursue but was uncompromising in his desire for excellence. When I decided to leave my post at the Ateneo to join a pioneering effort for sport psychology in the country, many did not think much of my decision, except for Fr. Bu who expressed excitement over what he recognized as breaking ground at that time. Through the years, as my study and practice in the field intensified, he continued to encourage me and would proudly introduce me to his friends and students as “the great sport psychologist.” It was always humbling to hear him say that of me but it certainly gave me a great boost of confidence to pursue the field and eventually, specialize in it. He always asked about the athletes under my care and even met some of them to share much of what he did in hypnosis that aligned with mental training for competition. Before I knew it, some of them looked forward to my sessions, not because of me but because of the opportunity to see Fr. Bu! Indeed, Fr. Bu never ran out of generosity, even if his physical energy was already running out.
Much has been said and will be said of Fr. Bu as the great mentor to generations of psychologists. Fr. Bu is all that and more. He is more than all that because Fr. Bu has embedded himself in countless lives through the generosity of his heart and soul. If we try to figure out what drives one man to do all that he has done and be all that he was to many of us, we would certainly come to the conclusion that he must have drawn all that energy and inspiration from some Unlimited Source that can only be God. Indeed, Fr. Bu was truly and foremost, a man of God.
[ I wrote this essay for Fr. Bu last 22 March 2010 for a book on him but it never made it to print so am sharing this on the occasion of his 90th birthday 22 Sept 2012]
From Fr. Jack’s FB page, on this 90th Birthday, last January 16, 2014.
On a typical day, Fr. Jack would be sitting in his room reading a book on Kindle or reading and answering emails on his desktop. On a non-typical day, even though his cardiologist tells him that his heart is now only 20% functional, he would make the effort to attend a meeting or an event of an organization with which he is affiliated, to keep himself updated about their work or to give encouragement to a friend who may be giving a talk. Fr. Jack continues to connect with friends, former students and colleagues through Facebook and email. They virtually keep him company in his room as their happy faces light up the screen of his computer in a slideshow of photos that evoke not only memories of happy occasions but also the feeling that so much love surrounds the life of this 90 year old Jesuit.
Before successive surgeries forced him to work from his room at the infirmary, Fr. Jack was the constant presence at the Institute on Church and Social Issues (or ICSI, and renamed John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues in 2007), a research-for-advocacy NGO which he co-founded with Fr. Ben Nebres and Bishop Francisco Claver in 1984. Before that, Fr. Jack was the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Except for those years spent at the Gregorian and in the United States studying theology and sociology, Fr. Jack has lived and worked in the Philippines since 1946 when he first arrived in the country as a 22-year old Jesuit scholastic from Orange, New Jersey.
He taught at the Ateneo and not a few well-known people would claim to be his student. At age 80 he was still teaching a graduate course on social change and development issues. He instilled in his students not only knowledge of social science theory and practice but also the value of service to the nation and to the poor. Many know Fr. Jack for his incisive and thoughtful newspaper columns in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, his excellent sociological essays and political commentaries which appear in various Church and academic publications. An observer of Philippine society and politics with a keen sense of history, his opinions and reflections are highly respected within and outside the academe.
For all his accomplishments that would easily impress the equally accomplished, Fr. Jack is simply the smiling, gentle tatay to many young and not-so-young men and women who have received help through him for their educational, nutrition and health needs. For more than twenty years, Fr. Jack had been saying mass in Filipino in Payatas, Quezon City and ran a feeding and scholarship program there. Up to the present, teenage boys and girls are among his dear friends who would visit him at the infirmary and share with him their stories of struggle and triumph.
He is also tatay to his former colleagues at ICSI where he mentored young professionals many of whom went on to work for service-oriented organizations in the country and abroad. Through the years he has kept in touch with them, continuing to comfort them in times of personal difficulty and crisis, and celebrating with them their victories, whether big or small.
Friends who visit him at the infirmary will always be greeted with a welcoming smile that never fails to convey how much their presence is appreciated. When they leave, they come away with gratitude for knowing this man who by his life has shown how it is to faithfully love and serve the Lord with joy.
