Author: ron

Visiting Jesuit Theology professor, Fr. Asandas Balchand, SJ from Ateneo de Manila University, recently delivered an inspiring and meaningful talk to the faculty, staff, and parents of Santa Barbara Catholic School on Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter on The Year of Faith and Ignatian Discernment last Friday, October 5, 2012.  As part of the school’s ongoing faith formation activities, Fr. Balchand’s talk gave his audience the opportunity to understand more concretely the Pope’s apostolic letter in this age when there is a need to intensify one’s reflection on the faith and bear witness to charity and social responsibility. Fr. Balchand summarized Pope Benedict XVI’s letter into 5 points: 1. Focus on Christ 2. The value of witness. 3. Adapt to historical times/circumstances 4. Communal dimension and social responsibility. 5. “Intensify the witness of charity” or deeds done for others.

In his talk on Ignatian Discernment, Fr. Balchand gave practical tips and examples on using the Ignatian way of discernment in making a good decision in one’s life.

Father Balchand was on Guam for a couple of days upon the invitation of Mr. & Mrs. Ben Lorenzo, who are active members of Couples for Christ. His visit also gave him a chance to re-connect with friends, former students and alumni of Ateneo de Manila University who are working on the island as teachers, professionals, and/or lay parish ministers. Sr. Maria Rosario Gaite, vice-principal of Santa Barbara Catholic School is one of his former students.