By: Jo-ana Minese D. Dulfo (GS Faculty)
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Grade School community celebrated the Solemnity of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the Magis Eagles Arena, capping off the Ignatian month themed “Sharing the Ignatian Fire, Fostering Friendships”. Ateneo Hearter pupils and formators gathered in anticipation as the solemn procession was broadcast live from the Lux Oriens Gym to the MEA on the big screen. The pupils waved their blue flaglets as the statue of St. Ignatius was carried to the Lord’s altar, while the entire community sang Ignatius’ hymn, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.” The Holy Mass was sponsored by the Grade 5 Ateneo Hearters and presided over by Fr. Gilbert Emmanuel “Nono” Levosada, SJ.
Fr. Nono began his homily by reflecting on the significance of the Marcha de San Ignacio, the song played every 7:15 a.m. throughout the month of July. He recalled how St. Ignatius was transformed from a soldier of the King of Spain into a soldier of God, and how this inner conversion led him to gather the first companions of the Society of Jesus. Fr. Nono also shared St. Ignatius’ favorite prayer, the Suscipe, “Direct We Beseech Thee, O Lord,” explaining that St. Ignatius’ life invites us to trust God, do what is right, and remain humble and kind; by living out these values, we embody the spirit of the Magis. The homily concluded with a prayer asking St. Ignatius to teach the community to know Jesus more, to love Him more, and to follow Him more closely.
During the offertory, representatives from each grade level brought to the altar the Blue Plate Project envelopes, while the mass sponsors presented the cash offering and the SLP kits intended for the school’s partner communities.
In addition, during the acknowledgements, the school’s 71st anniversary was formally launched. Centered on the theme of celebrating lay collaborators, the anniversary honors the vital role of the faculty, staff, administrators, and other lay collaborators in the Ateneo Hearter community. A video presentation highlighted the contributions of lay collaborators, past and present, who continue to guide and nurture young Ateneo Hearters into persons of competence, conscience, and compassion.
The Eucharistic celebration concluded with each class bringing two or three student-friends from SHS-AdC’s partner schools, namely Canduman Elementary School and Tawason Elementary School, to join them for the day.
As the Grade School community departed the Magis Eagles Arena, they carried not only the teachings of St. Ignatius but also a renewed commitment to live out his call to know, love, and follow Christ more closely in their daily lives as true Ateneo Hearters. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Photo credit: SEEDS Magazine
