Hidden Treasure

The first time I remember meeting Fr. Rudy Fernandez, SJ was on my birthday in 2006.  When I entered the confessional after the 7 am Mass, I was surprised because, first, it was going to be a face-to-face confession, and second, because I thought the Confessor was not only old but masungit!  Little did I know that it would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship with Fr. Rudy --my lolo , my Spiritual Director, my Confessor, my life coach, and most of all, my friend! He was my birthday gift from God!

I’ve always told him that he is my “hidden treasure” and my first-ever real friend in the Ateneo de Manila High School.  I am so grateful for the years we shared the same office space, split my peanut butter sandwiches between us, lost tons of ball pens together, and exchanged countless stories about God in our daily life. 
 

When he was assigned to Cagayan De Oro in June 2010, it was heartbreaking for me, but I knew it was time to share my “hidden treasure” with others.  Besides, through his daily texts, he remains close to my heart-and always will. 

Now, Fr. Rudy is back in Manila and, most often than not, I can find him at his favorite spot outside the Church of the Gesu.  A fellow Jesuit once asked him if he was there to wait for and watch the sunset, to which he replied, “For all you know, the setting sun is waiting to watch me.”

Suzanne Alvarez, head of the Ateneo High School's Campus Ministry Office, with her hidden treasure, Fr Rudy Fernandez, SJ.