The
100% Atenean
The institutional identity of the Ateneo de
Zamboanga University is Filipino, Catholic and Jesuit. It is Filipino in our
love and service of country and in appreciation of our multi-cultural heritage.
It is Catholic not only in an outwardly religious way, but catholic, universal
and inclusive of other faiths and cultures through openness, friendship and
inter-religious dialogue. It is Jesuit because it is based on the spirituality
of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
We consider everyone in the Ateneo, no
matter what faith they profess or practice, part of one Ateneo family. A
family’s way of life includes certain expressions of unity with each other. The
celebration of the Mass as a sign of faith and solidarity is part of Ateneo life
and Jesuit spirituality.
We have never imposed this tradition on
non-Catholic Ateneans in the past, but we feel that all Ateneans, no matter
what faith or belief they profess, should participate fully in all aspects of life
in the Ateneo. As such, we welcome, invite and expect one and all to join us in
key celebrations of Ateneo life like the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the beginning
of the school year, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the end of July, the
Feast of the Immaculate Conception honoring Mary on December 8, and the Baccalaureate
Mass on graduation day.
This should not be seen as an imposition of
faith but as a desire to express our respect and appreciation of each other’s
multi-cultural backgrounds. We are not truly one family if we stay away from
each other’s traditions. We are sure the Catholics also want to be part of the
major celebrations of the non-Catholic groups on campus. The Ateneo legacy is incomplete
without participating in these important expressions of unity and solidarity
with one another.
We do not wish those of other faiths to stay
as minority groups on the fringes or laylayan
of Ateneo life. We do not want anyone to experience only 75% or 90% of life in
the Ateneo. We want to integrate everyone 100% into our Ateneo life. We want
everyone to be fully incorporated into the mainstream of our Ateneo family,
united in love of country and love of God, Pro Deo et Patria – Ateneans one and
all.
Salvador
Wee SJ
