Fr Joaquin G Bernas SJ, 1932–2021 (Memo U2021-034)

With deep sadness, we inform the University community of the passing away of Fr Joaquin G Bernas SJ early this morning, 6 March 2021.
 
A pillar of constitutional law not only in the Ateneo Law School but also in our country, Fr Bernas was a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the 1987 Philippine Constitution. In 2004, he was conferred the title of Dean Emeritus of the Law School, where he began teaching in 1966 and which he served as Dean twice, in 1974–1976 and 2000–2004.
 
Fr Bernas entered the Society on 20 June 1950 and was ordained a priest on 10 June 1965. During his long ministry as a priest, lawyer, and educator, he served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1970–1971, Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines in 1976–1982, President of Ateneo de Manila University for three terms, 1984–1993, and Rector of the Jesuit Residence in 1994–2000.
 
We request the Ateneo community to keep Fr Joaquin G Bernas SJ, his family, and his Jesuit brothers in your prayers.

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Eternal rest grant unto Fr Bernas, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 
May he rest in peace. Amen.