By Bien Emmanuel C. Cruz, SJ
After months of planning and collaboration, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan through the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of the Vice President for Social Development with XU Central Student Government went to the peripheries of Cagayan de Oro City to distribute food packs and celebrate the gift of our Ignatian Spirituality on March 27, 2022. The Xavier Ateneo Offices went with San Ignacio Care for the Poor – a small community of Christian Life Community members (CLC) and Jesuits aimed to feed indigent children around Cagayan de Oro City as a gospel response to the call of Christ and also as a living out of the new directives from the new roadmap of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus which includes in particular providing food to poor children.
The group decided to go to Sitio Bugnaw and Isla Delta communities living in near the banks of Cagayan River. The slums are home to around 250 families most of whom lack proper employment for a stable source of income and proper housing thus making them vulnerable to the elements and floods. The Xavier University – San Ignacio Care for the Poor (XU-SICP) group decided to make distribution of food backs as a celebration of Ignatius of Loyola’s quincentenary of the cannonball experience, which became the pivotal point for the saint’s conversion.
The day began with a celebration of the Eucharist on the banks of the river with University President, Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ. In attendance were Ms. Gail dela Rita, Ms. Mona Pangan, Mr. Ivanell Subrabas, Ms. Sieg Lastimosa from Xavier University; Bro. Bien Cruz, SJ and Bro. Franz Docto, SJ from the Loyola House Jesuit Community; and Mr. Omar Reyes, Ms. Rocsan Reyes, Mr. Emmanuel Manrique, Mr. Hendrix Blanco and Mr. Chris Lapay from San Ignacio Care for the Poor; and a team of student leaders from the XU-CSG headed by Mr. Andre Daba.
After the mass, 500 food packs were distributed to children and accompanying adults in Sitio Bugnaw and Isla Delta communities living near the banks of the Cagayan River. The other food packs were distributed to the homeless in Plaza Divisoria and Gaston Park.
It is important to note that the event was a collaboration of three distinct groups: the Jesuits, the Xavier University Offices, and San Ignacio Care for the Poor. Nonetheless, these three groups felt the connection and intimacy with each other because of our shared spirituality. After the distribution of food packs, the group gathered and had a short spiritual conversation, to share the fruits of the experiences. All agreed, that it was indeed a moment of companionship despite meeting for the first time. As Ms. Gail dela Rita mentioned, it was an experience of shared companionship because without a doubt God’s spirit that unites is present among us and in the people whom we just fed.
The conversation among those who joined the activity also made a remark that it was a fitting way to celebrate the 500 years anniversary of Ignatius’ conversion. It was noted by all that Ignatius had a very particular concern and love for the poor. In fact, the first ministries of the Society of Jesus during its first years during the 16th century, established and instituted by Ignatius of Loyola himself were geared towards the uplifting the lives of the poor children and women. Thus, a fitting homage for us to celebrate our deep Ignatian heritage. Mr. Subrabas even remarked that the Mass before the activity helped in making us remember St. Francis Xavier saying mass during his mission trips; and there we have the Jesuit University president of Xavier University presiding a mass with an enthusiastic congregation near a huge body of water, just like our school patron.
Indeed, the experience of bringing God’s love for the poor and experiencing God’s presence in the interaction with the poor made us look forward in hope. The Spirit was indeed at work since many of us promised to allow the experience we had in Sitio Bugnaw and Isla Delta to transform us and inspire us to work harder to provide for the needs of our poor brothers and sisters; and also ensure that we as a community in XU-SICP will be able to provide other means of aid so that the poor may truly and effectively emerge from the darkness of poverty and be ushered in a life that respects and honors their inherent human dignity as children of God. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!