Jesuit Communications Foundation

80 Up: A Fundraising Campaign for the Elderly & Infirmed Jesuits in the Philippines
(posted June 30, 2009)

The impact of the Jesuits in the Philippines is extraordinary and unparalleled. They are probably best known as caring and gifted educators but they are also deeply committed to the community service and apostolic missions and religious vocations.

The Jesuits therefore are present in the finer educational institutions in the country. In addition, they cover other services in the varying fields such as:

• Administering to the many non-Jesuit seminaries;
• Conducting spiritual formation in key Jesuit centers;
• Communicating the joy of God’s word in daily life through mainstream media.
• Managing Jesuit—run and or supported parishes in the poor and marginalized areas like the Philippine General Hospital, the Payatas dump site and the under privileged in Montalban and the Cullion Sanitarium in Palawan; and
• Providing counseling services to strengthen the basic societal unit of the family.

Over the years, so many Jesuits have lived, worked and died in the Philippines. This is what they do – give their all no matter what the cost is. 

Today, there are 309 Jesuits in the Philippine province, 62 of them over 80 years of age and many of them are infirmed in one way or the other. The health and medical care of these elderly and infirmed has taken its toll on the finances of the Jesuits at a time when the general economic situation is likewise weak.

Hence, the Jesuits are in need of help and for the first time in centuries are now asking for support of the personal care of their elderly. To this end, the 80 UP fund raising program has been launched for one single purpose, i.e. to raise the funds for the health and medical care of the Jesuits who are 80 years old and older. In 2008 alone, the bulk of the medical cost of P 36.0 million accrued to this age group and the special needs of extraordinary illnesses of younger Jesuits.

An appeal is made under this project for one to identify with a Jesuit in this 80 year up age group (refer to list of beneficiaries) and to help raise funds for their medical care – all in partnership with the Society of Jesus who will continue to care for their family.

Let us work together, with the Jesuits in the Philippines, to enable them to continue their impressive service to the Philippines. We ask you to honor and support these deserving men with your kindness, thoughtful prayers and with your generous donations.

Lastly, may we invite you to a special concert by Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ entitled “A Fullness of Life: A Prayer and Healing Concert” scheduled for July 24 and 25, 2009, 6:30pm at the Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University. This will be our community gathering for our elderly and infirmed Jesuits.

Thank you.

Click to Open/Save the 80 Up Kit (with Pledge Form)