By Achs Fausto

By Rhianna Ramos

On Tuesday, January 27, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community gathered for a Eucharistic celebration of the Feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of ASHS, held at the third-floor Formation and Learning Center (FLC).

The Mass was presided over by school chaplain Fr. Noel Y. Bava, SJ, while the homily was delivered by Rev. Bien Cruz, SJ. 

The celebration was sponsored by the classes of 12-Anchieta, 12-Denn, 12-Geronimo, and 12-Oldcorne.

The liturgical celebration began with the entrance of the statue of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, whose life continues to inspire Jesuit formation and service.

In his homily, Rev. Cruz shared that true success is rooted in loving God with one’s whole heart, soul, and mind, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself.

Furthermore, he emphasized that faith is not merely expressed through words, prayers, or written commitments, but is made real through concrete actions of love, justice, and respect.

He stated, “Faith is not meant to shrink our world; instead, it calls individuals to openness, encounter, and courage, especially in the face of differences and disagreements.”

Drawing from the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Rev. Cruz presented the saint as a young and privileged individual who chose to place his gifts at the service of the poor.

Despite coming from a wealthy family, St. Aloysius dedicated his life to caring for the sick, eventually giving his life while serving plague victims in Rome.

Closing the homily, Rev. Cruz said that St. Aloysius Gonzaga challenges Ateneans to reflect on how their education, privilege, and future professions can contribute to justice and solidarity with the marginalized.

Towards the end of the Mass, Fr. Bava also led the rite of blessing for the Fair Committee core members, who are set to conduct Fair 2026, “Siklo,” on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a short program was held to formally open Gonzaga Week, followed by the class potluck event “Salu-saloysius” and interstrand activities.