HIGHLIGHTS

Xavier Organizes X-PATS from

Greater China

Posted Friday, 22-Sep-2006 3:19 PM

     A full complement of alumni accompanied Fr. Ismael Zuloaga to meet with X-PATS from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing last September 16, 2006.  Recognizing the growing number of Xaverians moving to different parts of China for work, Xavier School and the AAXS have made the organization of the alumni in China into stable and functioning chapters a high priority.

     The meeting, the second held since last year’s visits to Shanghai and Hong Kong, discussed how the alumni can establish themselves into official associations which can help nourish the Xavier ideals among the X-PATS through meaningful fellowships.  Once established, these organizations will also be the venue for more effective communication and greater interaction between the overseas alumni and Xavier School and the AAXS.

     Fr. Zuloaga stressed that while there is a strong bond among alumni from the same batch, there is need for stronger ties across batches and closer links to Xavier School, specially for those working and living abroad who are uniquely positioned to play a considerable role in continuing the mission of Xavier School and its patron saint, St. Francis Xavier.  For Xaverians living in China, this role has added significance.

     “Paul Hsu Kuang-Chi is the role model for all Xaverians,” Fr. Zuloaga said.  “In much the same way that he, a lay person, helped the Jesuit missionary work in China in the early 1600s, so the Xavier alumni of today can become civic leaders who support the missionary work of the Church and preach the Gospel through their lived faith.” 

     Sherwin Chua, former AAXS President (83-85), cited his own experience in Shanghai and contributed a poignant memory of Fr. Louis Papilla who had expressed the wish that someday, Xavier alumni could go back to China to spread the faith.  At that time, Sherwin though the idea too farfetched since his family had fled Communist China for greener pastures and the Mainland was effectively closed to all foreigners.  Yet Sherwin is now in Shanghai, actively nurturing the faith among fellow members of his church community.

     The morning’s discussions ended with the commitment of the Hong Kong and Shanghai alumni to get organized and start preparations for their own respective December 3 local reunions which will be linked up with the school’s Jubilee celebration.  After lunch, Fr. Zuloaga presided over a group sharing of experiences and concluded with a mass.  During his short homily, Fr. Zuloaga expressed satisfaction with the Xavier alumni, “I look at the people in this room and many many other alumni and I know I have not wasted my time.”

     The day-long meeting was held at Newport Hotel and was attended by Ben Tan (’80), Ramon Pascual (’76), Jonathan Cheng (’86), Benjamin Azada (’91) from Hong Kong, Ludwig Tsai (’88) and Sherwin Chua (’74) from Shanghai and Vlad Reyes (’73) from Beijing.  Flying in from Manila were Jubilee Committee Vice-Chair Gary Garcia (’79), AAXS President Jeff Siy (’80), AAXS Secretary-General Bryan Ang (’92), AAXS VP-Alumni Affairs & Development Jovito Ong (’68) and AAXS VP-Special Projects Hero Yu (’72). 

     Hero, the principal organizer of the trip, cited Ben Tan for his efforts in arranging the logistics and in getting the Hong Kong X-PATS to attend and acknowledged Sherwin Chua who was the driving force in making this meeting a reality.  Ramon Pascual hosted an early dinner at the famous Yung Kee restaurant in Central where fellow alumni toasted each other’s health with, appropriately enough, the Golden Jubilee Wine.  Fr. Zuloaga appreciated the smooth arrangements for his trip, “Never in my life have I felt so attended to as in our Hong Kong trip!  The special attention each of you extended to me was heart warming.  Thank you!”

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