Text by Noralee Denise Lluch
Photos by Evelio Lyn Magdadaro

It was a bright and solemn morning when guests gathered to commemorate Fr William Masterson’s 32nd death anniversary on Tuesday, September 6. People whose lives were touched by the Jesuit missionary throughout his colorful years in Northern Mindanao were present at the grounds of the Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (Searsolin) to attend the Eucharistic mass celebrated by Xavier University chaplain Fr Archie Carampatan SJ.

A program commemorating Big Boy’s life and his remarkable works that still continue up to this date was held, hosted by Searsolin, in partnership with the XU College of Agriculture and Xavier Science Foundation Inc.

Young student leaders of XUCA were among the people in attendance, joining the personnel from the Manresa Farm, Searsolin, and XSF.

“Big Boy’s Big Dreams” was the overall theme for this occasion wherein various projects of XUCA, XSF, and Searsolin were proudly presented during the program. These three institutions were founded by Masterson and are continuing his legacy by taking the mission and vision wholeheartedly, which is to develop rural communities and form leaders in agriculture and social development.

Searsolin frontlined the open house for guests and students at the Fr Masterson Exhibit, featuring his life story through various mementos and his antique collections from all over the world. ∎