Photo by Fonz Bautista

by Alexia Bangayan

Last Thursday, June 30, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community celebrated the Feast of St. Ignatius de Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, with a Mass held on the third floor of the Formation and Learning Center (FLC).

The Mass was presided over by the school chaplain, Fr. Noel Bava, SJ, together with the assistant chaplain, Rev. Fr. Stephen Abuan, SJ.

During the Liturgy of the Word, Fr. Noel proclaimed the Gospel from Luke 14:23-33, which calls on believers to place Christ above all else to become His disciples.

In his homily, Fr. Stephen acknowledged the challenges that come with the opening weeks of the school year, saying that “the time of peace is finally over,” before asking the community a deeper question: ”Once He holds your heart, who is the Lord?”

Using the image of ”a house without windows or doors,” Fr. Stephen encouraged the community to remain open to God and to others instead of building walls around themselves, emphasizing that discipleship begins with hearts that are available to God’s call.

Connecting the Gospel with the first reading from Jeremiah, Fr. Stephen recalled how God’s word became ”like a burning fire” within the prophet, motivating the community to allow God to transform their hearts despite the demands of the school year ahead.

Before concluding, he reminded the community, ”Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Ad Majorem Dei gloriam.”

Principal Rosanna M. Borja then delivered a closing message, reminiscing that the school had previously been unable to celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius due to classes beginning in August. 

She emphasized that as a community, ”We strive to save nations. We open our hearts to God’s love in whatever form or moment it presents itself in our everyday lives, both in joyful or challenging nights.”

Afterwards, the image of St. Ignatius was blessed, followed by a special blessing for the Grade 12 students who took the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) over the weekend of August 1 and 2.