“From Loyola to our Hearts: SHS-AdC GS Celebrates St. Ignatius, Pilgrim of Hope”
By: Mrs. Jo-ana Minese D. Dulfo, GS Faculty
Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu Grade School participated in the month-long tribute honoring St. Ignatius of Loyola’s feast day. “Iggy Days 2025: St. Ignatius, a Pilgrim of Hope” was the heartfelt theme guiding this year’s celebration. This theme invited all members of the school community to deepen their understanding of Ignatian spirituality and to renew their call to be persons with and for others. Spearheaded by the school’s Campus Ministry and Social Involvement Office, the month of July offered daily moments of reflection from 6:45 to 7:15 AM, as a curated selection of Jesuit songs played softly over the campus P.A. system. As pupils, teachers, parents, and visitors entered the grand lobby, they were warmly welcomed by an exhibit showcasing nine defining moments in the life of St. Ignatius. Furthermore, Ateneo Hearters watched video clips depicting St. Ignatius’ journey and spirituality, culminating in reflective sharing guided by an Ignatian examen.
In the Grade School department, the annual Holy Spirit Mass held on July 22, 2025 at the Magis Eagles Arena inspired the community to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance throughout the entire Jubilee year. In this eucharistic celebration, the altar stood as a vivid embodiment of Pentecost, adorned with seven banners symbolizing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Nono Levosada, SJ, the main presider, encouraged the young Ateneo Hearters, teachers, and parents to fire on and ignite their faith by embracing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, inspiring them to become men and women with and for others.
In addition, the “Search for Little Iggy” contest, held for Grades 4 to 6, inspired young contestants to embody the footsteps and values of St. Ignatius of Loyola, as each shared his unique interpretation and insight on Ignatian principles last July 25, 2025 at the Magis Eagles Arena. The young Iggys, dressed as Saint Ignatius of Loyola, delivered heartfelt speeches that inspired everyone to ‘find God in all things,’ encouraging a renewed spirit of hope and faith in all who listened. Furthermore, classroom activities and the thematic integration of St. Ignatius’ feast day across all subject areas enriched and strengthened the entire celebration. Also, from July 22 to 29, each grade level honored Saint Ignatius of Loyola by offering flowers at his statue at the Campus Mall and joining in the novena prayer, fostering a collective spirit of devotion and reflection.
Moreover, joining the Sacred Heart parish community, SHS-AdC participated in the anticipated Mass for the solemnity of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, held at the Magis Eagles Arena on July 27, 2025. Fr. Mike Pineda, SJ, together with his fellow Jesuit priests from Sacred Heart parish and Iloilo, presided the holy mass. In his homily, he reflected on how new life can emerge from any circumstance, even through wounds, alluding to the wound St. Ignatius sustained from the cannonball incident. As he explained the meaning of the Jubilee 2025 logo, “Pilgrims of Hope,” he also drew a comparison to this year’s theme centered on St. Ignatius, a true pilgrim of hope. He said that like St. Ignatius, we need to set our anchor of hope in God. The Sunday Mass concluded with a sharing of delicious snacks, nourishing not only the spirit but also the body and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the entire community.
On July 30, 2025, the Grade School community celebrated the St. Ignatius mass presided by Fr. Al San Buenaventura, SJ. Rising to their feet and singing the “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” hymn together, the entire community joyfully welcomed the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Little Iggys. Fr. Al, SJ, reminded the young Ateneo Hearters that God can change our hearts and we can always find Him in everything. After the celebration, the GS community eagerly witnessed the grand launch of Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu’s 70th Jubilee anniversary. Outstanding song and dance performances helped the community reflect on how Ignatian spirituality has shaped men and women for others over the past 70 years.
The entire celebration culminated with a simple yet meaningful wellness activity for the Grade School faculty and staff, thoughtfully organized by the GS CLF area. During the salo-salo, as the teachers and staff recalled the answers to trivia questions about St. Ignatius’ life in Loyola, they became more aware of how his spirituality has transformed their hearts, inspiring them to become pilgrims of hope like him.
What a truly blessed month it is to wholeheartedly celebrate the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola! May Iggy Days 2025 continue to nourish the wellspring of our hope, sustaining us through struggles and tribulations. Viva, San Ignacio!
Photo credit: SEEDS Magazine
