A visit to Lolo Jesuits

The Ateneo Grade School Class Officers Movement (AGSCOM) has a wealth of advent traditions. After two years, the group resumes one of its seasonal activities, the visit to the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center elderly priests. The AGS community refers to the elderly priests as Lolo Jesuits. During the pandemic, the group only sent handmade Christmas cards to keep the tradition. This time, they come with more than just written greetings.

Last December 3, AGSCOM members, moderators, and Virgie Esteves, Assistant Headmaster for Formation, trooped to the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center to bring warmth and cheer to the elderly priests. The Grade 6 moderators and class presidents took the lead in preparing a simple yet meaningful program for them. Martin Gan, the AGSCOM president, and the Grade 6-Bellarmine class president Elliot Peralta facilitated the program. 

After the opening prayer, selected students did a poem and prayer recitation entitled “A Poetic Tribute to the Senior Jesuits” written by Santi Lopez of 6-Realino and Mateo Estepa of 7-Page. The following lines from the poem highlight the significance of this activity:

      We should strive to be like them, role models of good. 

      A hand always open to generosity,

      Hearts filled with gratitude,

      And pride of God’s eternal greatness. 

Then, some Grade 4, 5, and 6 class presidents enthusiastically danced to the song “It’s Christmas.” Evan Catriz of 6-Canisius entranced the Lolo Jesuits with his piano playing of the piece “River Flows in You.”

Toward the end of the program, the AGSCOM members and moderators sang, “O, Holy Night.” Dylan Lim of 6-Hurtado led the community singing. Finally, the class officers handed the envelope of handmade cards made by the members to each Lolo Jesuit present during the event. Some class officers also gave food tokens of biscuits, donuts, and pastries.

The activity was concluded with a prayer and thanksgiving to the Jesuit Health and Wellness community, its head Fr Tex Paurom SJ, and the staff who rendered support in preparation for the event. However, Fr Chuang SJ would not let the day end without the participation of the Lolo Jesuits. He could not pass up the chance to express his delight by asking, “Aren’t you going to let us sing?” He pensively started the first line of the song “O Holy Night,” then the other Jesuits joined in the singing. It was a wonderful sight to behold! Everyone went home with hearts filled with joy. The JOY Bringers became the JOY Receivers. Truly a grace-filled event where Jesus was Emmanuel!

A Blessed Advent and Christmas to all!