FACULTY ACHIEVEMENT. August 16, 2025 is a landmark in SHS-AdC’s history after Mr. Rhoderick John Abellanosa, Head of the Research Office, successfully launched his book titled Education for a Faith That Does Justice: Philippine Catholic Education in an Age of Globalization. The event was successful and was well attended by the faculty and staff of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, academics from the Cebuano Studies Center, USC Philosophy Department, San Carlos Seminary, and teachers from other Basic Ed schools. Members of the clergy and the religious, former students and former administrators of SHS-AdC, and the family members of the author were also present.
Dr. Charlito Codizar, FSD Coordinator, gave the rationale of the event and welcomed the attendees, on behalf of Father President Mike Pineda. Atty. Marlouize Villanueva set the mood with an intro about the book and its author. He pointed out what the book exactly asks all those who are in the mission of Catholic education, “who are we for?” This, according to Villanueva, is the work’s “simple question with hard consequences.”
Four (4) onsite reviewers of the book shared their analysis and reflections. Ms. Nancy Lourdes Toledo (SHS-AdC) describes the book as having “the ability to share insight and provoke thought . . . seeking to disturb but also careful in reminding that justice is anchored not in a political system but in the person of Jesus.” Fr. Bros Flores, S.J. (Former Superior of the Jesuit Bukidnon Mission District) for his part “hopes that the book becomes a mirror and a compass” of Catholic schools as they continue to struggle with their mission of social transformation. Dr. Levy Lanaria (President, Catholic Theological Society of the Philippines), and Fr. Ramon Echica (Professor, Seminario Mayor de San Carlos) both highlight the themes of liberation and inclusion that are clearly underscored in the book’s discussions.
Two (2) Jesuits also sent their reviews and notes. From Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Fr. Joseph Emmanuel Liwanag, S.J. sent his review which was read by Mr. Charles Dominic Sanchez, Senior High School Faculty. Fr. Aristotle “Ari” Dy’s review came all the way from Ateneo de Naga University and was read by School Registrar Gualbert Montecillo. Fr. Liwanag considers the work as an invitation to a continuous questioning … challenging us to take another look at how we’ve missed to see many of the points about Catholic education and its role in the promotion of a faith that does justice. For his part, Fr. Ari Dy remarks that the book “reads like an Ignatian Examen that will help educators reflect on the authenticity of their school’s efforts to educate for social justice.”
The highlight of the program was the words from the author himself, who explained the background and the inspiration of the writing which is traceable to his years as SHS-AdC’s Social Involvement Coordinator. He went on to expound the spirit of the book which is best captured by Heinrich Hoffman’s painting of Jesus and the Rich Young Man (cf. Matthew 19:16-22). The question posed by the latter to the Divine Master, is basically the question that should not only be asked by Catholic schools, but that which should serve as their norm in ethical living: “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life [or build the Kingdom of God]?”
Mrs. Annie F. Abucay, SHS Principal and CEAP-CESSPA President, gave the concluding remarks which also signaled the formal end of the event. A book signing followed. The Book Launching was also one meaningful reunion and gathering of teachers, former students, and members of the academic and religious community in Cebu.
