Jesuit Communications Foundation

Healing for the Healer
(posted August 10, 2009)

Following is the testimonial given by Eric Ingles during the “Fullness of Life” Concert:

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Eric Ingles, once-upon-a-time a student at the 20th century all-male Ateneo. I was in Prep in the ‘50s, Grade School and High School in the ‘60s, College in the ‘70s, Law School in the ‘80s. Spanning what appears to be four decades, I remain truly blessed with genuine Jesuit Education and am deeply indebted to American and Filipino Jesuit mentors, many of whom have become family friends through the years.

Do you know that the JR or Jesuit Residence used to be called the “Faculty House”. Because then, faculty was mostly Jesuit.

Like many Ateneans, I admire and forever thank the Jesuits for sharing with us their special talents and rare gifts – their intelligence (at least for some), their passion for sports ( mens sana in corpora sano - sound mind in sound body - what to do when we lose and what not to do when we win), their dedication to their missions, their devotion to our Blessed Mother. Like many more Ateneans, I prayed, played and grew up with Jesuits – even idolized some of them. Funny that two of my favorite early Jesuit mentors, Frs. John Pollock and Andrew Cervini, are now dormitories.

Fast forward to the present 21st century. The present sight of aging and infirm Jesuits painfully surprises us as we had been so used to seeing them strong, full of energy, full of humor, full of wit – FULL OF LIFE. We thought these great soldiers of God will never die and just fade away. We believed that, if they ever did, Jesuits die with their boots on.

We were wrong.

Jesuits do grow old as our parents do. Jesuits do get sick, and when they do, they quietly and wishfully look for help. They who have given so much of themselves, who have left their families in hometowns, they who have abandoned personal ambitions, now need us.

Tonight, the Holy Spirit has flown in Fr. Arnel Aquino with his healing music. Tonight, the Holy Spirit has guided these young Jesuit soldiers back to the Heights of Loyola with friends to prepare food for the hearts of beloved “kuyas”. Tonight, the Holy Spirit has gathered you all here to honor our elderly Jesuits. Tonight, we feel God’s loving embrace.

Dear Fathers, we will remember you forever as LOVE NEVER FADES.

Do you remember, my dear fathers, when we were young innocent boys in short khaki pants, you impressed upon us something to keep us through in times of uncertainties. Now that age and health have become real concerns in the twilight of your years, please be assured that we are here for you – you who have reached the FULLNESS OF LIFE and lived for the greater glory of God. We kindly remind you of that very important lesson to see you through – with the MIGHTY POWER OF GOD, BE NOT AFRAID.

Listed below are video links to some of the presentations during the concert:

• Himig Heswita’s Be Not Afraid
• 80 Up AVP