By Paulyn Erica M Porras and Ismael B Salarda
Xavier University joined the Society of Jesus Social Apostolate (SJSA) network for its 2025 Colloquium held from 4 to 8 October 2025 at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City. The event served as a pivotal gathering for the social apostolates to collectively discern, engage in dialogue, and define a shared agenda for the mission of Faith that Does Justice. Representing Xavier University were Ms Paulyn Erica M Porras, Service-Learning Program Formator, and Mr Ismael B Salada, Director of the Arrupe Educational Center and Social Development Coordinator of the School of Education. Guided by the theme “Developing Ignatian Spirituality in the Social Apostolate: Remember, Reorient, Renew,” the five-day colloquium combined two days of strategic discussions with a three-day silent retreat, providing participants a balance of thoughtful planning and deep spiritual reflection.
Photos courtesy of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Ismael B Salarda
SJSA is a nationwide network of Jesuit and lay social apostolate organizations serving diverse sectors across the Philippines—from education to community organizing, from legal advocacy to grassroots development—united by one compelling call: to bring faith into action in the pursuit of justice, peace, and the common good. As articulated in the network's Statement of Core Values adopted in 2003, SJSA seeks to empower the Filipino poor and marginalized, drawing inspiration from St Ignatius of Loyola and the Catholic Church’s Social Teachings.
Participants engaged in collective discernment about the network’s priorities and future directions, tackling critical issues confronting Philippine society today: poverty alleviation, democracy and elections, youth formation, ecological justice, and the fight against disinformation. The colloquium highlights that the social apostolate mission is to promote justice, human dignity, and equality by transforming unjust structures through awareness-building, education, community engagement, social enterprise development, and when necessary, political action.
Photos courtesy of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Ismael B Salarda
Moreover, the discussions also highlighted the importance of, and efforts to strengthen collaboration and synergy across the social apostolates on the agreed four clusters - Policy and Advocacy, Formation, Emergency and Disaster Response, and Student/Youth Formation by fostering clarity, simplicity, alignment and accountability. The colloquium served as a venue for sharing experiences and reflecting on how various institutions, including Xavier University, align their programs, initiatives and partnerships with this shared mission while responding to their respective local context.
Delegates from the Mindanao Consortium of Ateneo schools with the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
(Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan)
Photos courtesy of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Ismael B Salarda
The Society of Jesus Social Apostolate (SJSA) network's “Faith that Does Justice” mission and the 2025 Colloquium directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SJSA addresses SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by empowering marginalized communities. It promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) through critical consciousness and ethical leadership development. SJSA's work on democracy, combating disinformation, and human rights aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), while its focus on ecological justice contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). As a collaborative network, SJSA exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), integrating academic resources, grassroots efforts, and research to foster sustainable development rooted in values and solidarity.
The three-day silent retreat that concluded the colloquium served as a powerful reminder that all social apostolate work must be rooted in contemplation. With the theme “By being, doing happens”, SJSA's mission affirms that faith is not separate from action, nor activism is separate from spiritual foundation, but a unified commitment to transformation in which all works flow from, and return to, God’s greater glory.
Photos courtesy of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Ismael B Salarda
As Xavier University's representatives return to Cagayan de Oro City carrying new frameworks, insights, and renewed purpose, they bring clarity about collaboration opportunities with the SJSA network and a deeper understanding of how Xavier University's work in service learning, community engagement, and social development participates in something larger—a network of committed individuals and institutions working together for societal transformation. The challenge ahead lies in embodying these insights within our university context, deepening our Ignatian identity while remaining responsive to regional needs, and contributing to the broader network's mission while honoring local realities. In the spirit of St. Ignatius, Xavier University moves forward—discerning, deciding, and acting Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, for the greater glory of God and the service of our neighbor.
