Fr Antonio F Moreno SJ

Invocation, Day 1

O merciful and compassionate God, we, Muslims, Christians and members of indigenous communities, call you by different names. You are the same God who appeared to our father in faith: Abraham. You called him to journey from Haran to Canaan, a long journey of about 650 km to an unfamiliar destination. He did not know what was in store for him and his family. But he journeyed in faith, not knowing what would happen to him. It was clear to him though that you were calling him, and that you were with him.

Today, we also embark on a journey where the final destination is yet to be known. It is a journey for the rest of our lives. It is a journey marked with so many uncertainties more than we would like to admit. But thanks to the brand of Xavier Ateneo education that molded us, we are filled with courage that the seeds of what it takes to begin this life-long journey have been planted already. We thank you, God of mercy and compassion, as we also thank our parents and families, our teachers, mentors, administrators, companions in mission, friends, and other influencers for planting the seeds of our life-journey. We are confident that just as you have accompanied Abraham, we are likewise consoled that you will be with us in the ups and downs, the twists and turns of our pilgrimage. Enable us to embrace the uncertainties that come our way. Enable us to be bearers of hope in a world torn by strife and hatred. Enable us to pursue stronger connections, and break newer grounds. Enable us to smile when things don't go our way. Best of all, stay and be with us now and forever. Bless us always with your abiding presence.

We ask all this in the name of the merciful and compassionate God. Amen.