PisTahanan 2025: Triduum novena prayers in honor of the first Companions

2025 PisTahanan: Feast, Family & Faith
Triduum Prayers in Honor of The First Companions
Patron Saints of the Ateneo Residence Halls

St Francis Xavier

Today we honor St Francis Xavier, a very inspiring and great missionary who gave up everything: his homeland, comfort, and even his safety just to follow God’s call and share the Gospel with people across the world. His life was a powerful example of passion, sacrifice, and trust in the mission he was given. This sense of being sent and of having a greater purpose deeply resonates with me as someone who lives in the dorms, and far from home.

But in reality, despite of it all: being a dormer isn’t always easy. It is not as direct experience as staying in a new place. In fact there is also a complicated feeling of adjusting to an entirely different environment, making new connections (which sometimes is really hard), and learning to live independently. I remember my first weeks in the dorm as a freshie. I didn't know anyone, and as a ‘probinsyano’ I didn’t know how everything worked in the Metro. The bizarre feeling of taking care of my finances, the overwhelming challenge of managing my time, and the constant balancing act of schoolwork and personal life—everything felt so foreign. I had to learn to navigate the city, figure out public transportation, and adjust to the fast-paced life here. There were days when I felt incredibly alone, like I was just drifting through the crowd, trying to find my place. Making friends wasn’t easy either. It took courage to ask questions, whether it was about class requirements or even as simple as asking where to wash clothes or eat around the campus. There were moments of discomfort and uncertainty, but I kept reminding myself: I’m here for a reason.

Just like how St Francis Xavier left his comfort zone to follow God’s mission, I believe that being admitted into Ateneo and living in the dorms was part of my own mission. This mission is not all about earning a degree but more than that it is about growing in character, learning to serve others, and finding God in all things. The dorm life helped me realize that dream. It placed me in a community where I could not only survive but thrive, where I could ask for help and also offer it to others. 

St Francis Xavier’s passion to “help souls” reminds me of the simple moments in the dorms when we support each other as dormers, whether in academics, faith, or just being there for someone who's having a bad day. He responded to God’s call with urgency and total commitment. While we may not be preaching across continents like Xavier, our small acts of kindness, sharing knowledge, or just being present for someone in need are also forms of mission. We are also called to serve—even within the walls of our dorm. And I learned that from my many experiences inside and of in ARSA.

ith this, may we reflect that the reading from Romans reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even distance, discomfort, or fear. And truly, in my whole time as a dormer, I’ve felt this love through the people around me. From blockmates, friends, ARSAns, the URH officers, and to RAs checking in on us, to general fellow dormers whom we are sharing meals or laughter late at night; I know these were all signs of God's abiding love.

Like StFrancis Xavier, we are called to be bold, to go beyond what is comfortable, and to say yes to the mission God has given us. Even if it starts in a small dorm room in Ateneo, the impact can go far. May we always keep that fire burning as we journey together, companions in the Lord.

Reflection by Raymart A Dela Cruz

Vice President for Social Involvement
Ateneo Resident Students’ Association