Students line up at the Arrupe Hall to buy movie tickets for the block screening of Ignacio de Loyola. Photo from the official Twitter account of ADDU

Students and teachers flocked the cinemas at the SM City Davao as the Ignacio de Loyola film premiered on the big screen last July 28 in light of the upcoming celebration of his feast day.

The movie featured the patron saint Ignacio, highlighting his military conquests, his injury at the siege of Pamplona, his change of heart after reading the Bible and the lives of the saints, and his missionary work in Manresa where he authored his famous book “Spiritual Exercises”.

Students with FYDP, NSTP, Theology 141 and Philosophy classes were required by their respective teachers to watch the movie.

Students and faculty members alike gave their respective comments about the movie.

Third year Accountancy student Gabriela Castillo stated that she thought the movie was good.

“It was different from what I expected. It focused on his personal struggle and spiritual from being the materialistic and worldly person that he was prior to his change of heart. Overall, the movie was good,” she said.

Theology teacher Panfilo Ibag said that the screening is meant to be a learning experience for the students.

“I’m sure that our students will learn the other side of St. Ignatius where he had an aristocratic personality but his life changed when a splinter coming from cannon ball hit him.

“He was discouraged, helpless and hurting and because of this he learned humility and began to live a missionary life. I admire this guys so much and I believe our students will,” Ibag said.

Others, however, were not satisfied and thought the movie was boring and sloppy.

An interviewee who refused to be named shared that the movie failed to captivate the viewers’ attention.

The movie is still showing in SM cinemas, Abreeza Mall of Davao and Gaisano Mall of Davao.