It’s gratifying to see Ateneans— young and old— being persons of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment. These 4Cs have always characterized a Jesuit education. And Ateneo de Manila’s recently-updated Vision states that the University will be a “force for good in seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to society’s most pressing challenges,” to be “a collaborative and engaged leader in the work of social transformation through education, formation, research, and social engagement.”

It puts us in a prime position to carry forward Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ’s vision to be persons-for-others. In 1973, Arrupe called on his fellow Jesuits to embrace an education that centers on living out one’s faith through service: forming persons who will not only live for themselves but for others. His words have become the cornerstone of Jesuit education: molding and inspiring students to find meaning and purpose in their lives through acts of service and transforming them to be agents of positive change in a world that is ever-changing, evolving, and shifting.

Ateneans’ willingness to articulate this has always been inspiring and invigorating. With Loyola in our DNA, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see students and alumni use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to excel in whatever field they choose, to engage with the world, and shed light on society’s vexing problems, all in pursuit of the common good and the protection and renewal of our common home.  

We shall be forward-looking in the face of modernization, adapting ways to advance our educational mission. Yet, we remain rooted in our Ignatian precepts, instilling in our students the joy of discovery,  the passion for learning, and the spirit of generosity to come together to create a more compassionate, sustainable, and just world. 

Fr Arrupe’s words were visionary then and remain so today. As sons and daughters of Loyola, we must continue to chart this course and endeavor to use our God-given gifts and talents to carry forward our mission of faith, reconciliation, and justice.