Not very many know that prior to my joining the Society of Jesus, I was studying to become a chemical engineer at Mapua Institute of Technology. I was already in my 4th year when I quit Mapua to transfer to Ateneo de Manila in June 1970 to study Philosophy, as I was accepted to the aspirancy program of the Society of Jesus. I stayed for three years at Arvisu House — the Jesuit Pre-Novitiate Residence along Katipunan Road. After graduating from the Ateneo in April, 1973, I entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches on May 30, 1973, to formally begin my spiritual formation and training as a Jesuit. So, today (May 30, 2023) is my personal Pentecost as I celebrate my 50th year as a Jesuit.
There will be no fanfare as all my siblings are living in North America and, except for three others who are younger than me, all the other members of my Jesuit community here in JHWC in Ateneo de Manila are way over 80, the oldest being 98 years old.
Today, I simply want to say a big thank you to God our Father for, despite being the sinner that I am, He deemed it worthy to invite me to be “placed with Christ” and to serve “under the banner of the Cross.” I thank God for the gift of my vocation to the priesthood and the religious life, providing me with more than I could ever have imagined. He has surrounded me with people who always look out for me. He has given me family and friends, and most of all, fellow Jesuits who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on Him and make my spirit soar.
At nearly 73 years old with chronic comorbidity, I am not as active as I used to be. I pray to God to keep me strong and healthy so that I may continue, in whatever way I can, to serve Him for the rest of my life . . . ad majorem Dei gloriam! I really feel grateful that sometime in the past I was allowed to help . . . grateful that where I erred, and I did, my erring could beat neither God’s love nor the generosity of the people He has place around me to support me.
This post was shared by Fr Danny on his Facebook
