Fr. Nicomedes Yatco, S.J. (1928-2015)
Fr. Nicomedes T. Yatco, SJ died of cardiac arrest yesterday morning, December 8, 2015, in The Medical City, Pasig, Metro Manila. He was 87.
Fr Nick taught Theology (later Religious Studies) in ADZU from 1987 to 2013, serving as chair of the Religious Studies (RS) Department from 1991-1999. In addition to teaching, Fr Nick was also the Jesuit Residence’s House Consultor and House Librarian.
He left AdZU in 2014 and stayed with the Jesuit community at the Jesuit Infirmary in Loyola House of Studies (LHS), Loyola Heights, Q.C. until his demise.
Fr Nick’s students fondly remember him for being a stickler for time, always coming to and is dismissing his classes on the dot. They also recall how Fr Nick instilled discipline in his students, a value which was important in preparing especially those about to take the board exams.
Coming from a family of musicians, Fr Nick is also remembered by long-time members of the ADZU community as a baton-wielding conductor of the Jesuits during their singing presentations in institutional gatherings. He studied Liturgical Music at the Pius X School of Liturgical Music in New York City.
Before coming to ADZU, Fr Nick studied Theology and finished his S.T.B. in Weston College,Massachusetts in the late 50s. He taught Theology at Ateneo de Manila from 1968 to 1980 then moved to Cagayan de Oro City and taught at Xavier University from 1980-1987, where he also served as chairperson of the RS department for six years. All in all, he spent 24 apostolic years in Mindanao. Aside from teaching, he published a book, Jesus Christ for Today’s Filipino, in 1983.
Born on August 24, 1928 in Manila, Fr. Nick entered the Society of Jesus on May 30, 1948, and ordained a priest on June 16, 1962 in Weston, Massachusetts.
Fr Nick’s wake will be in the Oratory of St. Ignatius in LHS, Ateneo de Manila University campus, Loyola Heights, Q.C. Daily wake masses will start tonight at 8pm at LHS.
Funeral mass will be on Friday, December 11, at 8am, at LHS, and interment right after the Funeral Mass at the Sacred Heart Novitiate Jesuit Cemetery in Novaliches, Q.C.
A memorial mass for Fr Nick will be held in ADZU, with date and time to be announced later. Meanwhile, the ADZU community is enjoined to pray for the repose of his soul.
