At the heart of the Ateneo, the Jesuits inspire many Ateneans to truly become men and women for others—whether it is through the Ateneo de Manila University’s Philosophy and Theology teachings or even the community’s culture of belongingness and kindness.
Ateneo alumnus and chairman of the PLDT group Manuel Pangilinan recognizes the impact of the teachings of the Ateneo. With Fr. Roque Ferriols SJ as his Philosophy professor, Pangilinan said that many of Ferriols’ teachings remain with him to this day.
In honor of Fr. Ferriols’ 80 years as a Jesuit in May this year, the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus announced the Fr. Roque Ferriols SJ Suscipe Fund. Pangilinan gives back to the Ateneo community by helping build the Suscipe Fund, which aims to defray expenses relating to the care of senior and infirm Jesuits, more fondly known as the “Lolo Jesuits.” With an increasing number of them needing special and individual attention, the Philippine Province is taking active steps to ensure support for their care.
“The Ateneo has instilled in me many life-changing lessons. It would take a truly hardened heart to turn deaf to this request. It is a privilege to be able to give back to the community with a heart that is inspired to do more and be more—what we who are Jesuit-educated know as magis,” said Pangilinan.
With a grateful heart, Fr. Provincial Primitivo Viray, Jr. SJ was extremely gratified by Pangilinan’s response.
“MVP’s continued generosity will greatly help in defraying one of the Society’s biggest expense items and ensuring that our beloved Lolo Jesuits like Fr. Ferriols and Fr. Catalino Arevalo [also celebrating 80 years in the Society] continue to receive the best care,” Fr. Viray said.
The Suscipe Fund is named after the famous prayer, “Take and Receive, O Lord” of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the end of the Spiritual Exercises.
Pangilinan’s donation serves as the Suscipe Fund’s seed contribution. With his generosity, the Ateneo community hopes to inspire other friends and benefactors to likewise contribute in prayerful gratitude for the lives and missions of our Lolo Jesuits.