Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, University President, presides over the mass for the Feast of St. Ignatius. – Photo by Mark Balladares

In line with the celebration of the Feast of the University’s patron saint, Ignatius of Loyola, the Ateneo de Davao University Community gathered as one to celebrate the Holy Eucharist last July 30, 2014, at the Fr. Martinez Sports Center.

The Holy Mass, presided by University President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, started 9:00 a.m. He was joined by other Jesuit priests within the Ateneo community, namely, Fr. Daniel McNamara, Fr. Charlie Cenzon, Fr. Prudencio Toledo, Fr. Archimedes Lachica, Fr. Gabriel Gonzales, Fr. William Malley, and Fr. Renato Ocampo.

During his homily, Fr. Tabora recounted the St. Ignatius’ life story while giving points of reflection to Ateneo teachers and students. He also inspired the members of the Ateneo community to be like “wild horses”, willing to be tamed in order to tell and retell the story of Mindanao’s history, culture, and evangelization.

Fr. Tabora encouraged everyone to collaborate with the Jesuits in order to pursue social justice in the service of the common good through different Jesuit goals and projects.

He also talked about the Restoration of the Society of Jesus 200 years ago. He emphasized that without the Restoration, Jesuit values and Ateneo schools would not have existed today. The Mass Celebrant ended his homily by saying that we should continue in the service of our people for the greater glory of God.

After the homily, Fr. Daniel McNamara gave a thanksgiving message to everyone in attendance. Shortly after, the University President announced that July 31 is declared as a special University holiday in honor of St. Ignatius.