On the occasion of its Golden Jubilee celebration, Loyola School of Theology and the Theology and Ministry Program, in cooperation with Jesuit Communications, has released a short audio-visual presentation entitled, “LST: Leading and Serving Through Theology”.
According to the annals of LST, “On 12 July 1965, the Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, Fr. Horacio de la Costa, with the authorization of the Jesuit Superior General Fr. PedroArrupe, opened the present School as an institute of philosophy and theology incorporating within it the faculty of ecclesiastical studies of San Jose Seminary. After one academic quarter at San Jose, the School moved to Loyola House of Studies on the campus of the Ateneo de Manila University. First classes at the new site were held on 18 September 1965″[1].
This month of March we celebrate birthdays of three (3) elderly Jesuits; namely, Fr. Simplicio sunpayco, SJ, born March 2, 1929; Fr. Robert Suchan, SJ born March 17 1926; and, Fr. Deogracias Trinidad – Birthday March 17 1926. Love and Light!
Staff members of the Curia, Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, and the PJAA went on a joint retreat last Feb 19-21. 2015 in Baguio, Mirador Jesuit Villa. Fr. Florge Sy, SJ served as Retreat Master. The natural beauty of the Jesuit Villa Mirador served as a reminder of God’s enduring love and providence.
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.
By Fely I. Soledad, Founding Executive Director (PCNC)
1. What are some of the concerns surrounding NGOs in the Philippines?
The rapid expansion in the number of NGOs has given rise to concerns about the ability of the government to regulate all these organizations and to ensure that resources channeled to them are actually being used for their declared goals and objectives. These concerns are made significant by the fact that Philippine NGOs enjoy tax incentives under the law, such as tax exemption and donee institution status which allows local donations to be deducted from the donors’ taxable income and exempted from donors’ tax.
2. How did the Philippine government respond to these concerns?
In 1995, the Department of Finance (DOF) came under increasing pressure to increase revenues to the central government. The DOF and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) therefore set up a joint task force to reform the tax system. The task force proposed a sweeping plan to change the system to address the problem of revenue collection. The proposal, known as the CTRP, would have eliminated the deductibility of donations to NGOs as one means of increasing revenues for the state. If passed, it would have taken away the benefit of deductibility of donations from the donors’ taxable income and also abolished the exemption from donors’ tax.
3. How did the NGO community respond to government’s move?
Some leaders of top corporate foundations and NGO networks immediately realized that this would have an enormous detrimental effect on NGOs dependent on local donations. They then expressed their concern to the Department Of Finance which in turn challenged the NGO representatives to create a self-regulatory body to certify non-stock, non-profit organizations for donee institution status, allowing them to receive tax-deductible and tax-exempt contributions under the new tax law.
Rising to the challenge, six of the country’s largest national NGO networks—the Association of Foundations (AF), the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference for Human Development (BBC), the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) and the National Council for Social Development Foundations (NCSD)—organized the Philippine Council for NGO Certification, or PCNC, which was incorporated as a non-stock, non-profit entity in January, 1997 and publicly launched in February, 1999.
4.What is the relationship between PCNC and the government?
PCNC signed a Memorandum of Agreement with DOF under which it was given the authority to certify NGOs applying for donee institution status based on specific standards. The certification would then serve as a basis for the BIR to grant donee institution status.
5. What is the other role of PCNC?
It was also envisioned that this certification process would encourage local donations to NGOs so significant at this time when resources channeled to social development projects, particularly from foreign donors, are diminishing. However, PCNC exists not only to pursue tax incentives for donors to NGOs. More importantly, it has committed itself to promoting professionalism, accountability and transparency within the NGO and non-profit sector in the Philippines. In effect, a PCNC certification would mean a “seal of good housekeeping,” which hopefully shall also help identify NGOs “of good standing” that funding agencies and partners, both local and foreign, may consider in their choice of which organizations to support. The evaluation process itself is deemed to be beneficial as it provides the applicant NGO the opportunity to assess and improve its own status as an organization and address organizational concerns.
6.How does PCNC operate?
PCNC is governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees elected from among the certified organizations, and a BIR representative. The primary function of the Board, which meets once a month, is to examine the evaluators’ findings and make the final decision on the certification of applicant NGOs.
PCNC’s operation is handled by a Secretariat headed by an Executive Director who is presently assisted by nine (9) staff members. The PCNC Secretariat serves as the operational hub and coordinates the activities involved in the whole evaluation/certification process. 1,400 volunteer evaluators who are officers/senior staff of certified NGOs and members of professional organizations such as the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants are deployed in teams of 2 or 3 on evaluation visits to applicant NGOs and they then submit their findings/recommendations to the PCNC Board.
7. Where does PCNC get its funds for operations?
PCNC received start-up funds from the Ford Foundation, support for its public awareness campaign and evaluators’ training from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and a grant from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for its research/documentation project. It also has a grant from the World Bank for the setting up of a public accountability mechanism; the training of volunteer evaluators; application fee subsidy to applicant NGOs for PCNC certification; and the conduct of learning events on good NGO governance. It also received funding from the Spanish Embassy (AECID) for a project on ‘NGO Clinics’ designed to help small and newly established NGOs towards organizational strengthening and PCNC certification. On the other hand, PCNC’s operating expenses are mostly funded by application fees and membership dues.
8.What are PCNC’s criteria for certifying NGOs?
PCNC has formulated three rating sheets — one is for organizations operating for two or more years; another is for newly established organizations; and the third is for networks. The evaluation covers six areas, namely: Vision, Mission, and Goals; Governance; Administration; Program Operations; Financial Management; and Networking. Financial Management gives the best source of assurance for donors that the recipient organization is accountable and transparent and that donations are utilized according to the organization’s declared goals and objectives. Among the important standards in financial management are the presence of a financial plan, check and balance mechanisms, and compliance with BIR requirements. The other areas are significant as well, such as Vision, Mission, and Goals (VMG), Governance, Administration and Program Operations. VMG declares the purpose for which the organization exists and Governance refers to policy formulation and direction-setting, while Administration includes policies and procedures that pertain to lines of authority and accountability between and among various units of the organization. Program Operations includes program/project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Networking refers to intra- and inter-linkages that provide support for the organization and opportunities for learning and sharing best practices.
Each area is composed of a number of indicators which are rated on a scale of 5 to 1 with 5 as the highest and 1 as the lowest. Extra parameters may be added or deleted when necessary, depending on the organization being evaluated. An NGO may get a 1, 3, or 5 year-certification, depending on its years of existence and ratings from the evaluation
On the occasion of the Blessed Virgin’s birthday today, September 8, we make a repost of this video, a reminder that we are all children of God, under His protection through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!
For over 400 years, San Jose Major Seminary has formed hundreds of Filipino priests for ministry in the dioceses all over the Philippines. This diocesan seminary aims at forming men of virtue, learning, spirit, and service– agents of renewal of the Church and society in the Philippines. Some of our more distinguished alumni include Most Rev. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, D.D., Most Rev. Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D.D, and Most Rev. Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, D.D.
San Jose Major Seminary is in need of financial help at this time. Traditional fund sources have been drying up alarmingly. We are asking your help to build up the seminary’s endowment fund, and support its important work of training and forming the young priests who will eventually run our parishes and may someday play key roles in the Philippine Church. The Jesuits through the leadership of composer Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J. are holding a benefit concert entitled, “Himig Heswita Sings for San Jose” with the special participation of Cardinal Tagle himself. This will be held on Saturday, August 23 and on Sunday, August 31, 7:00 p.m. at Leong Hall inside the Ateneo de Manila campus. Tickets are at P5,000 and P3,000 and P1,000. For ticket sale and reservation, please contact the San Jose Fundraising Office at 426-6091 (TL) or +63 999 759-2465 (SMART) or (GLOBE). You may also email sanjosedevelopmentoffice@gmail.com.
“Tend my sheep,” says the Lord (John 21:16). But who shall look after the shepherds? We hope you can take this rare chance to help form priests who will help bring Jesus to many souls. When you tend the shepherd, you tend the sheep. Thank you very much. May God bless you and your loved ones.
In commemoration of 200 years of the Jesuit Order’s Restoration, a free concert dubbed, Grateful Hearts, Greater Love!, will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at the Church of the GESU, Ateneo de Manila University campus.
The concert revisits the three (3) major periods in Jesuit history. Woven into each segment are themes which speak of God’s enduring presence. These are;
FIRST PERIOD: Pre-suppression (St. Ignatius and missionary expansion) and the theme: GOD’S LOVE
SECOND PERIOD: Suppression (humiliation, trials, and survival) and the THEME: FINDING GOD IN ALL THINGS and;
THIRD PERIOD: Restoration – (Rising from the ashes with lessons gained) and the THEME: DISCRETA CARITAS (discerning love)
The concert, organized by Jesuit Communications and presented by the Philippine Jesuit Aid Association Inc. (JESUITAID), combines musical theatre and variety show formats and features Jesuit Music Ministry artists, as well as various performers from the Ateneo community, namely: Himig Heswita, Bukas Palad, Hangad, Tanghalang Ateneo, Entablado, Dulaang Sibol, Ateneo Children’s Theatre. Blue Rep, Ateneo College Glee Club, Ateneo Boy’s Choir, among others.
The evening will be capped by a message by Very Rev. Antonio F. Moreno, SJ, Superior, Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus.
“There is so much power in gratitude.” – Fr. Ramon Maria Luza Bautista, SJ
WISP OF WISDOM is Art and Prayer in a book and features quotes by Fr. Mon Bautista and the leaf prints of Fr. Jason Dy SJ (cover design and art direction by Fr. Eric Escandor, SJ with foreword by Fr. Kit Bautista, SJ)
Available at:
PAULINES stores nationwide PAULINES
TANGING YAMAN Stores – Jesuit Communications
BLESSINGS COPY CENTERS in UP Diliman and at the Ateneo Professional School (Rockwell) library – BLESSINGS COPY CENTER
Proceeds are earmarked for the Philippine Jesuit Aid Association (for the formation of Jesuit Scholastics) and rebuilding of the Payatas-St. Benedict Chapel Formation Center.
