Walking in Faith: AJHS Embarks on a Lenten Journey as Pilgrims of Hope

Entering the sacred season of Lent, the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School Community embarked on its journey as Pilgrims of Hope with the celebration of Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025. The holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari C. Sumpaico III SJ, Vice President for Basic Education. 

In his homily, Fr. Sumpaico reminded everyone of God’s invitation to journey with Him during Lent. Ash Wednesday got its name from the tradition of placing ashes on our foreheads while hearing one of these phrases: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words and the ashes are powerful reminders of our lives’ reality, where we come from and where we are going. 

Fr. Sumpaico acknowledged that this reality can sometimes evoke fear, as it is something beyond our full understanding or control. Explained in Filipino, Fr. Sumpaico said, "Habang iniisip natin ang ating pinagmulan at kahahantungan, tila ba napangungunahan tayo ng takot, sapagkat ito ay mga bagay na wala tayong hawak at wala tayong kamulatan sa ating karanasan, sa simula at sa dulo.”

This fear is often our fear of the past (trauma) and also our fear of the future (anxiety or distress). Despite these fears, the Lord has a promise: He will be with us then, now, and forever. God invites us to hold on tightly to Him, Fr Sumpaico added. 

Concelebrating the mass with Fr. Sumpaico were Fr. Firmino W. Mulunda Cachipato SJ (from Arrupe International Residence), Rev. Deacon Rico Jaen Adapon SJ, Rev. Deacon Alejo S. San Buenaventura SJ, and Jesuit Formand Bro. John Andre de Paz SJ. Within the mass, a special prayer was also recited for the healing of Pope Francis.

After the mass, the students also had a communal Lenten prayer and reflection entitled, Becoming A Pilgrim of Hope this Season of Lent: A Journey of Faith and Renewal. Noting that pilgrimage is a journey and not a destination, it was emphasized that being a pilgrim of hope is not about reaching a final goal- it is about continuously choosing to live in faith and trust. It is a lifelong journey where we strive to find God’s presence in every moment and become messengers of hope to others. The session provided input on ways to live out one’s call as a pilgrim of hope through praying, fasting, thanksgiving, and practicing acts of kindness. At the end of the session, students were invited to write a heartfelt letter to God that included their desires and prayers for the grace of hope for those who are struggling in life and feeling hopeless. 

Also on Ash Wednesday, the AJHS Office of Campus Ministry organized a Kumpisalang Bayan for AJHS students, faculty, and staff at the St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel. This spiritual activity provided an opportunity for the members of the community to renew their faith and reconcile with the Lord through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In the afternoon, a Lenten Recollection for faculty and staff was given by Fr. Roberto Exequiel N. Rivera SJ, former president of Ateneo de Naga University. In his reflection points, Fr. Robert introduced Jesus as the Paschal Lamb who was given freely to redeem sinful humanity. Jesus as the Lamb of God turned our loneliness into solitude, alienation into belonging, vulnerability into strength, failure into victory, and death into life. 

Before the session ended, Fr. Robert invited the community to reflect on three key questions: One, in what ways are we called to “die to ourselves” this Lent? Two, what “limit situations”* in our lives are we being called to offer to God? And three, who are the “models of faith” that have inspired us? 

It is hoped that through these Lenten activities, the members of the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School community will truly become Pilgrims of Hope, growing in faith, kindness, and trust in God as we prayerfully journey through this sacred season. 

AM+DG

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*“Limit Situations” by Karl Jaspers