By Fonz Bautista

By Alexia Bangayan

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community gathered for a Eucharistic Celebration for the Memorial of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on Tuesday, October 7, which served as a spiritual opening for the Duffy-Delaney Day in honor of the school formators.

The Mass was presided over by Fr. Erwin F. Arandia, SJ, with Grade 12 classes Grodecky, Holland, Navarro, and Bobola serving as the Mass sponsors. 

In his homily, he reflected on corruption, values, and the state of the nation by posing the question “What will I do with a trillion pesos?”

He then asked whether people would spend such wealth on luxury and personal comfort or instead use it to help those affected by calamities, improve prison conditions, build institutions that promote better living, and support education by constructing more classrooms and ensuring fairer pay for teachers.

Furthermore, he emphasized, “Where you put your money reveals what is valuable to you [and] what is important to you. It tells the story of your heart. It reveals who you truly are. It defines the meaning of your life.” 

Fr. Arandia then highlighted the contrast between selfishness and humility, explaining that while many people seek comfort, control, and recognition, Mother Mary chose obedience and surrender to God’s will, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.’’

Moreover, he added that Mary’s sacrifice was not only for herself but for the whole world, reminding the formators that they, too, are called to take part in God’s mission of bringing light to darkness.

“What gives life meaning and value is not luxury, but love in service,’’ he said. 

Following the homily, ASHS Chaplain Fr. Noel Y. Bava, SJ, led the rites of blessing for the formators, where he highlighted their vital role in guiding students with faith and compassion.

As the Mass concluded, the community also witnessed the departure rites, ending the visitation of the image of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

The Mass collections were dedicated to the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service, supporting the persons deprived of liberty, who have been abandoned, as well as their dependents. 

Afterward, the Duffy-Delaney Day celebration followed, honoring the dedication and service of the ASHS formators to the students and community.