The Jesuit Who Inspired Me in College
Fr. Norberto Ma. Bautista, SJ University Chaplain/ Director for Alumni Relations |
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![]() Fr Raul "Derps" Bonoan, SJ. Photo from Aegis 1981, courtesy of University Archives |
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I began to know more about Fr. Raul 'Derps' Bonoan, SJ when I entered college. He was, at that time, the Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL) Moderator, and the Dean of Arts and Sciences. I joined the oldest and largest student organization, ACIL, when I was a Freshman and became its President in my senior year.
All throughout these years, Derps was there for us. He would sometimes join us in our teaching centers if he had the time. He would also join us in our December carolling trips to our donors' homes. He was present in most of our gatherings and formation programs. He truly exemplified the Jesuit "cura personalis" deserving of his name, 'Derps' or Tatay.'
When he knew that I was discerning to enter the Jesuits when I was in second year, he took me as his spiritual directee and we used to meet very regularly. I remember he gave me a personalized 3-5 day retreat at Sacred Heart Novitiate while he had to take his LOA as the college Dean. He was also the one who prodded me to apply to the Society of Jesus, and he was the one who personally and happily gave me my acceptance letter. |
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Fr Norberto Ma. Bautista, SJ or Fr Kit is the University Chaplain and Director for Alumni Relations of the Ateneo de Manila University. He used to be a missionary among a tribal community in Bukidnon for four years. He was the former headmaster of the Ateneo Grade School and also worked at the Center for Family Ministries and Center for Ignatian Spirituality. He likes nature and bananas. |