Fr Jose S Arcilla SJ (1927-2024) (Memo U2324-086)
27 Jan 2024 | Office of the President
Memo # U2324-086
27 Jan 2024
TO:
The University Community
SUBJECT:
Fr Jose S Arcilla SJ (1927-2024)
It is with deep sadness that we inform the University community of the passing away of another beloved Jesuit, Fr Jose S Arcilla SJ, yesterday morning at the age of 96. Fr Arcilla entered the Society of Jesus on 13 July 1946 and was ordained a priest on 19 June 1960.
Fr Pepe, as he was fondly called, was a dedicated scholar, writer, historian, and archivist. A professor of Theology and History, Fr Pepe was Head of the History Department at Ateneo de Cagayan (1964-1968) and was a faculty member of Ateneo de Davao (1968-1969). In 1969, he moved to Ateneo de Manila where he dedicated 47 years teaching history at both the College and Graduate School until 2016. He also served as Chair of the History Department from 1989 to 1992. Throughout this extensive service, Fr Pepe engaged his students, faculty, and members of the Ateneo de Manila community to the importance of the past and how history can help lead to transformation and positive change.
As archivist for the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, Fr Pepe provided a vital link between the past and the present. He was committed to teaching and research—writing and publishing various Philippine and Jesuit history books, including An Introduction to Philippine History (1998), Jesuits in Mindanao: A Mission (2013), and a tribute to national hero and Ateneo alumnus Jose Rizal, released in 2011. He also authored The Ateneo de Manila University: 150 Years of Engaging the Nation, the coffee table book released during the University’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2009.
We request the Ateneo community to keep Fr Pepe, his family, and his Jesuit brothers in your prayers.
Wake Masses @ Loyola House of Studies:
January 27 and 28 at 8:00 pm
Funeral Mass @ Loyola House of Studies:
January 29 at 8:00 am
The wake and funeral Masses will be livestreamed here:
https://tinyurl.com/lhslivestreams
Eternal rest grant unto Fr Pepe O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
(Sgd) Roberto C Yap SJ
President
Recent News
You may also like these articles
Ateneo LCSP hosts lecture on book on the life of Isabel Rosario Cooper
On 4 July 2025, Ateneo’s Literary and Cultural Studies Program (LCSP), in cooperation with Kritika Kultura and PLUME, hosted a lecture by Vernadette Vicuña Gonzalez
Tea and History: Confucius Institute Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations
On 5 July 2025, the Confucius Institute held a “Culture Space” event titled "Tea and History" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
Returning to the source: a formator’s journey of healing in Cabangan
Ateneo de Manila Junior High School (AJHS) faculty and staff were invited to an overnight immersion at Alon and Araw Club in Cabangan, Zambales, on
4Ps: Munting Handog Sa Pagtatapos
Narito ang homiliya ni Fr Flaviano "Flavie" Villanueva, SVD, sa Misa ng Pagtatapos para sa Klase ng 2025 (GBSEALD, SOH, JGSOM, SOSE, at RGLSOSS) na ginanap sa Blue Eagle Gym noong Biyernes, ika-20 ng Hunyo 2025.
Tumindig. Tumaya. Magmahal.
"Kaya ngayong araw, higit sa pagtanggap ng diploma, tinatanggap ninyo ang isang mas mabigat na atas: ang maging katiwala ng pag-asa . It is of a future that is still being fought for. So I call on you: Tumindig. Tumaya. Magmahal. Stand up, especially when it is not popular. Take a risk, especially when the truth is being twisted. Love, especially when hope is being mocked by others."
[Ateneo Press Review Crew] Marites Vitug’s Power from the Forest matters more than ever now
Much has been said about everything being political. The 11.11 sale shirt you’re wearing, the fast-food restaurant you constantly order from, the Reel popping on