October 2020
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, four Jesuits in the Philippines have gone home to the Lord: Frs. John S. Hagileiram [UEA], David A. Skelskey [UEA, applied PHI], Ruben M. Tanseco and Bro. Sulpicio G. Quipanes. Because of health constraints imposed by the virus, all had to be cremated shortly after death, and their ashes kept in the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center until a more fitting funeral celebration could be arranged.
On Saturday, 17 October their funeral Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. in the Oratory of St. Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies. This is the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch and the death anniversary of Sch. Richie Fernando; it is two days before the feast of the North American martyrs, four days before the feast of Bl. Diego Luis de Sanvitores and St. Pedro Calungsod. Fr. Provincial will preside and preach at the Mass, after which the ashes will be brought to the Province cemetery at Sacred Heart Novitiate for interment.
Since we are still dealing with Covid19 threats, presence at the Mass is restricted to Jesuits on campus and a few family members. The liturgy, however, will be live-streamed at https://tinyurl.com/oct17mass for those who may wish to join in prayer and thanksgiving for the deceased. Interment rites at Novaliches will be closed to outsiders, although it is planned to record what takes place for family and friends.
We commend our deceased brothers and their families to the prayer of all.