Category: Documents
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When Songs Become Shelter: A Night of Music, Justice, and Hope for Balik-Bugsuk
By Leonard “Leo” FranciscoJuly 16, 2025 – The 70’s Bistro Bar, Quezon City Music can heal the soul. We see it in our daily lives—in city streets, quiet homes, even in the remotest barangays. Music keeps us company through joy and sorrow, through bus rides and restless nights. But on the night of July 16,…
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Remembering the Jesuit Legacy in Bukidnon: The Story of Faith and Mission
In the heart of Mindanao lies Bukidnon—a province that not only boasts fertile lands and cultural diversity but also serves as a sacred ground for one of the most remarkable missionary stories in the Philippines. This story is intimately tied to the Society of Jesus—the Jesuits—whose legacy remains etched in the hills, chapels, and hearts…
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127th Philippine Independence Day: A Time to Reflect—Are We Truly Independent?
On June 12, the nation commemorates the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence—a historic milestone that marks the end of colonial rule and the beginning of self-governance. Yet, more than a century later, the question remains pressing: Are we truly independent, or are we still dependent on systems, narratives, and structures that hinder genuine freedom and…
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When Defenders Become Destroyers: A Reflection on Tradition, Dialogue, and Social Apostolate
by Leo Francisco There are people—whether in the Church, in politics, in social movements, or even within our own families—who see themselves as defenders of tradition. They claim to protect what is sacred, what is true, what must not be touched or questioned. Some even believe they alone understand the essence of things, and from…
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Confronting Collective Trauma in the Wake of Duterte’s War on Drugs
May 8, 2025 | Opinion In a poignant piece, Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” L. Alfonso, SJ, sheds light on the ongoing trauma faced by families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims under Duterte’s War on Drugs. Published in Currents, the article captures the stories of survivors who attended a trauma counseling session at UGAT Foundation, Ateneo de…
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Pope Francis to Write Apostolic Exhortation on Children’s Rights
Vatican City, February 3, 2025 – Pope Francis has announced his intention to write an Apostolic Exhortation dedicated to children, underscoring the global responsibility to safeguard their rights. The announcement came as the first-ever International Summit on Children’s Rights concluded at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, attended by religious leaders, advocates, and representatives of…
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On the Ground: Stories of the EJK Victims (Trailer)
with Ugat Foundation_Volunteers History holds moments of joy and pain, many of which fade from memory or are passed down as half-truths. Some stories, however, remain etched in the hearts of those who lived them—filled with tears and unanswered questions. This glimpse will take you back to uncover the hidden truths, the unspoken struggles, and…
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Serving or Seeking Validation? A Challenge to Examine Our Intentions in the Age of Social Media
By Leonard A. Francisco Engaging in social and pastoral apostolate is more than just an activity—it’s a profound invitation to transform our hearts and learn to love as Christ does. It’s an opportunity to find God in all things, where every act of service becomes a moment to encounter the divine, a chance to reflect…
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Full Text: Pope Francis’ Homily at Manila Cathedral
Pope Francis delivers his homily during Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Jan. 16, 2015. (Photo: Roy Lagarde) By Pope FrancisJanuary 16, 2015 Manila, Philippines MANILA— Below is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily during the Mass with bishops, priests, and consecrated persons at the Manila Cathedral on January 16, 2015: “Do you love…
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” OPLAN Dalaw: Reconnecting Hearts and Mending Souls”
By Angel Allego | January 10, 2025 The Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS) brought light and hope to families torn apart by incarceration through its heartfelt initiative, OPLAN Dalaw. As part of the Socio-Pastoral Program, this event aimed to reconnect Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs) with their loved ones. The atmosphere…
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 