Sch. Harvey C. Mateo, SJ
Editor-in-chief, The Windhover
January 15, 2016
There are at least two reasons why we chose Elmer Borlongan’s painting Story of the Constellations as our cover for this issue. With the Christmas season having just ended, stars remind us of the magi’s search for the infant Jesus. Consequently, we are brought back to our own stars—all the dreams and hopes we have chased in the past year; some of which we may have reached, others compromised or completely forgotten along the way. The beginning of the year is always a good time to lay back, gaze at the sky, and revisit those stars. This is what we hope to do here as we take a second look at some of the most important events and issues of 2015. In a way, what we are attempting is an Ignatian examen for the entire year—bringing us to a greater awareness of God’s work, deepening our sense of gratitude for all these blessings, granting us an opportunity to recalibrate, and hopefully, moving us to respond more generously.
The year kicked off to an inspiring start when Pope Francis came to the Philippines. We asked Benny Tañedo to get in touch with Fr. Nono Alfonso who was one of the Jesuits most involved in the papal visit. While the close encounter with the pope gave Filipinos the world over a spiritual boost, the challenge of living up to the message continues, especially as the nation was later beset by many issues that divided us. In March 2015, Xavier University honored—not without controversy—Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and Mohagher Iqbal for their contributions to the peace negotiations in Mindanao. In this issue, Dean Tony La Viña reflects on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, in the light of the statement released by the Ateneo presidents calling for the passage of the BBL. Another polarizing issue was the Synod on Family but like Frs. James Martin and James Gascon, we choose instead to focus on the positive lessons families can learn from the synodal process.
2015 was a time to continue dreaming big as two of the Philippine province’s projects started to take shape. JesCom finished shooting the movie Ignacio de Loyola in Spain. The screening won’t be until July 2016 but in the meantime, we present a behind-the-scenes look with Kang Sonza detailing some of her most memorable experiences from the production. In compliance with the government’s K12 program and prompted by the growing needs of their respective localities, the various Jesuit basic education institutions across the country have been expanding their infrastructure. No doubt the biggest construction project embarked by the province last year was for a different purpose—a new home for the elderly and infirm Jesuits. A feature on the Wellness Center is already being planned for the magazine’s next release.
Even as this building boom was taking place, the year was also notable for the earthquake scare that briefly captured our attention. Thankfully, the anxiety over the next big one has died down and some measures are already being undertaken for that eventuality. We searched the Jesuit Archives to learn how the Jesuits were affected by two major earthquakes way back in 1863 and 1968. Hopefully,
Jonathan Baldoza’s piece can inspire us to respond to such disasters with the same courage, competence, and compassion as the Jesuits of old.
There is a second reason why stars are relevant to our year-end issue. During this time of the year, stars appear brighter, giving us another reason why they are relevant to our year-end examen. Looking up to the heavens puts us in our rightful place as human beings. We are dwarfed by the vastness of a created universe of which we cannot claim to be its vital center nor its sole heirs. Yet, we remain its accountable stewards. More and more, the plea to reconcile with the rest of creation has become difficult to ignore. In this issue, we take our cue from Pope Francis’ call to “care for our common home” and examine the concrete ways we can reinforce our sense of connectedness and awaken to this commitment.
The star gazing continues in 2016. The entire Society of Jesus has been preparing for the upcoming General Congregation 36 to elect a new superior general. The Philippine Jesuits have been working on a roadmap that will clarify its short and long-term apostolic goals. Old problems may resurface; new concerns will draw us in. Throughout these circumstances, we are all asked to keep our eyes fixed on that one bright shining Light that sustains and gives meaning to our constellation of dreams and hopes.
The 37th Catholic Mass Media Awards has recognized The Windhover as Best Local Community/ Parish Newspaper. We wish to celebrate this honor with all our benefactors, contributors, and readers. Thank you for the support. Have a blessed new year!