ASMPH Faculty Formation Program concludes with final module by Fr Bobby Yap SJ

The ASMPH Formation Program for Faculty culminated in its final module, facilitated by Fr Roberto "Bobby" C Yap SJ, President of Ateneo de Manila University. The event commenced with a warm welcome and a comprehensive review of the previous sessions by Dr Obet Tanchanco.

Over the past five months, the program has provided a rich exploration of various themes rooted in Ignatian spirituality. These were:

• 29 January 2024: Our Origin Story - Who is St. Ignatius, Who are the Jesuits by Fr RB Hizon
• 26 February  2024: Ateneo as Filipino Catholic Jesuit, Animated by Ignatian Spirituality by Fr Jett Villarin
• 25 March 2024: Meditation | Contemplation by Dr Mhir delos Santos
• 29 Apri 2024: Consciousness Examen by Dr Guia Tan
• 27 May 2024: Sacrament of the Ordinary by Dr Ray Baquiran

The final session on 24 June 2024, titled Missioning as ASMPH Faculty, was led by Fr Bobby. He delved into the distinctiveness of Ignatian spirituality and introduced Spiritual Conversation as an Ignatian method of proceeding. Fr Bobby highlighted what sets ASMPH apart from most other medical schools – its Jesuit identity. He posed the poignant question, "Where is the spirit leading us?"

Participants engaged in small group discussions to reflect on and discuss the aspects of Ignatian spirituality they found most significant and relevant. This spiritual conversation allowed for a deep, personal connection to the material and to each other.

Following these discussions, Fr Bobby celebrated the Holy Eucharist and blessed the participants. 

To conclude the program, each participant was presented with a reproduction of St Ignatius leaning into the wind. This figurine of St Ignatius the Pilgrim is a reproduction of a bronze sculpture by William McElcheran for the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

McElcheran described Ignatius as "the prototype of the modern Christian, going forth into the world carrying the cloister about his heart... leaning into the winds of change... opposing the destructive power that accompanies them... responding to the living manifestation of God's power and the wonder of the incarnation." This imagery beautifully captures how Ignatius was a contempative in action, carrying a cloister about his heart. Just as Ignatius carried this inward space of peace and prayer as he faced the world, the faculty are encouraged to carry prayer in their hearts, grounding their work and interactions in spiritual reflection.

The 3D-printed reproduction of that bronze statue serves as a humble yet powerful reminder for the faculty of their mission and inspiration to lean into the wind with the same spirit as St Ignatius. This figurine symbolizes their call to face the challenges of the modern world with faith, carrying the spirit of prayer and contemplation within their hearts.

Dr Cenon "Dodie" R Alfonso MD, Dean of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, ended the session by reminding the faculty about a question he asks all new ASMPH students on their opening day: "What do you seek?" Dean Dodie then shared the simple answer that came to him during the session: "To find God in all things!"