The Ateneo de Zamboanga University community gathered at the Astoria Regency Convention Center on July 28 2014 for the Institutional Recollection and General Convocation. The theme of the recollection was “Praying from the Heart, The Way of Pope Francis”. The speaker was Fr Manuel L Flores SJ. In his talk he emphasized the importance of praying from the heart. He compared praying to regular exercise pointing out that it should be done constantly and with passion. In addition, he led the faculty and staff present to reflect on how they think Jesus looks at them when they pray for themselves and others. He also discussed models of prayer, like Abraham and Moses, whose stories showed that courage and insistence produce miracles. More importantly he reminded the community to never forget the giver especially when remembering the gifts we receive.
Fr Manuel concluded the recollection sharing that the primary way to heal the broken heart of Jesus is to celebrate the Eucharist with devotion. Afterwards, the Catholic members of the community celebrated the Holy Eucharist together while the Muslims and Christians attended their respective services.
The afternoon was dedicated to the General Convocation where the new members of the faculty and staff and those who recently finished their postgraduate degrees were acknowledged. Members of the Jesuit Community, led by Fr Buddy Wee and newcomer Fr Gil Donaire entertained the audience with a song number. The new members of the faculty also showcased their dancing talent with a medley of pop songs.
The highlight of the afternoon was the President’s Message. Father President Karel San Juan SJ began his message by identifying AdZU’s Core Mission of Leadership Service. This will be achieved in three ways: through institutional excellence, engaged citizenship, and integrated spirituality.
On Institutional Excellence: The primary goal is to develop a stronger university and to become an icon of stability and strength. This can be attained by supporting student achievements in all fields, engaging in research, increasing web presence, utilizing technological advances in the services offered, strengthening human resource and financial management, and developing Ignatian leaders among its faculty and staff.
On Engaged Citizenship: Ateneo is strong in its desire to build better societies particularly in Western Mindanao. Leadership by Partnership is essential in achieving this mission. AdZU is dedicated to re-strategizing its role in the Zamboanga rehabilitation efforts while also serving as a convener of academic institutions in the discussion of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In addition there is also an urgency to work closely with indigenous groups and local governments, provide quality education through scholarships, create an environmental program to respond to concerns of climate change and utilization of Mindanao’s natural resources, and partner with the archdiocese and key stakeholders to address city security concerns.
On Integrated Spirituality: Ateneo is first and foremost a school that seeks to develop men and women for others. The mission of AdZU is to develop its students to become better persons. This can be achieved by leading the community to practice dialogue in inter-ethnic communities. One key strategy is Fr San Juan’s goal of enhancing muslim engagement in and out of campus. The emphasis of celebrating culture is also highlighted in this mission. Most importantly, Ateneo seeks to form graduates who are guided by a sense of ethical and professional responsibility and awareness of the needs of others. These principles shall guide them as they practice their professions.
In his message Fr Karel also discussed the university’s fiscal status including plans for revising the compensation package of its employees. An open forum followed where some members of the faculty shared their thoughts about the plans presented. The hosts for the afternoon’s convocation were Mr Jonathan Pajarito and Ms Geraldine Enriquez.
{xtypo_info}Click to View Gallery{/xtypo_info}
