By AJ Alarcon

On February 11, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community, together with partner communities from the Christian Service and Involvement Program (CSIP), gathered in eucharistic celebration for the Social Involvement Mass at the third floor of the Formation and Learning Center (FLC).

Fr. Emmanuel L. Alfonso, SJ, the presider of the mass, encouraged the community to “look at the bigger picture,” as persons-for-and-with-others by minding not just ourselves, but also the community.

The bigger picture

During his homily, Fr. Emmanuel shared that amid personal conflicts, there are people in society who lack access to education and are experiencing famine and poverty.

“Kaya ka siguro pinalad—upang makatulong ka sa mga hindi pinalad na kababayan mo,” he stated, emphasizing that we must help one another as a nation.

“Ito ang prinsipyo ng ating paaralan—para turuan tayong lumabas sa ating mga sarili at makita ang kalagayan ng iba,” he added.

Moreover, Fr. Emmanuel urged the community to be concerned with international matters as well, stating that, “We have been created to become stewards for all of His creations.”

Furthermore, according to him, the ASHS follows these principles through the CSIP and the annual Katipunan Fund Drive (KFD).

The classes of 12-Sullivan, 12-Beyzym, and 12-Daniel were the sponsors for the mass.

Meanwhile, Busog Puso, a program dedicated to nourishing children and feeding the hungry, is the beneficiary of the mass.