With grateful hearts, we lift in prayer the 63 retreatants of the Sacred Heart Novitiate—Jesuit novices, diocesan seminarians, religious sisters, and lay men and women—as they enter this sacred season of silence, prayer, discernment, and deep listening. May the Lord gently draw them into the grace of the 30-day Ignatian Silent Retreat, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, where hearts are purified, desires clarified, and lives slowly conformed to God’s greater glory. We also entrust to God the 18 retreat directors who will accompany them on this holy journey. May they be granted wisdom, patience, and the grace to listen deeply—serving as humble instruments of the Spirit as they walk with the retreatants through consolation and desolation, light and longing. From today until March 4, the Sacred Heart Retreat House and Seminar Center becomes sacred ground—set apart, silent, and still—exclusively for those making the 30-day retreat. May this place echo with quiet grace, honest prayer, and the gentle movements of God at work in every soul. May all who enter leave with hearts more free, lives more surrendered, and spirits ready to say with trust and love: “All is Yours; dispose of it according to Your will.”

In celebration of the 2026 World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through the Ateneo Peace Center (APC) and the Social Development Unit (SDU), once again gathered religious leaders, peace advocates, and community partners for the 3rd Annual Interfaith Breakfast Prayer on February 2, 2026, at the Lantaka Campus. Using the Vinta as a symbol of our shared Mindanaoan heritage, this year’s gathering emphasized that while our diverse faiths represent the different colors of our "sails," we all navigate the same "shared waters" of our community. The event offered a sacred space to amplify a chorus of prayer, moving beyond theological distinctions to focus on the empathy and solidarity needed to build a future rooted in respect. A highlight of the morning was the Symbolic Offertory and Prayer, where religious leaders lit candles representing peace and harmony within their traditions. Participants also joined in creating the “Chain of Hope and Peace”—linking colorful strips of paper inscribed with personal prayers to symbolize that our collective strength is built by staying connected to one another. Engaging in the conversation is University President Fr Ernald M Andal SJ, with Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP) Muslim Convenor Sheikh Loderson "Mahir" Gustaham and Evangelical Convenor Pastor Budy Alfaro, Sama Bangingi Tribal Chieftain of the Simariki Island Ancestral Domain Panglima Nasir Ismula, Silsilah Dialogue Movement Founder Fr Sebastiano D'Ambra PIME, ZABIDA President Dr Grace Rebollos, Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) President Dr Rufina Cruz, City Mayor’s Office representative Ustadz Abdulwakil Kasim, and representatives of the Office of Vice Mayor Beng Climaco. Also in attendance were representatives from the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, AdZU Alliance of Religious Organizations (ARO), Campus Ministry Office, and the Social Development Unit, AdZU Senior High School Unit, Office of Student Affairs, and Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development. By anchoring our hearts in mutual respect, we continue to move forward as active navigators and agents of peace in our city and beyond. 🕊️🛶⚓️ See more photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dtT88KQnFBJpzbL59 #WIHW2026 #AdZU #interfaithbreakfastprayer

Xavier University and Cebu Landmasters Inc held a concrete pouring ceremony on 23 January 2026, at the site of the Manresa Access Road within the Manresa Town project of CLI along Masterson Avenue. The event was attended by XU President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ; CLI Chairman and CEO Jose R Soberano III; CLI Chief Operating Officer Jose Franco B Soberano; Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A Uy; other officials and administrators from XU, CLI, and the City Mayor’s Office; and members of the media. The site blessing was officiated by XU Chaplain Fr Ruben B Orbeta, SJ. The ceremony formally marked the start of construction of the access road, which will link the city’s uptown and downtown areas. Fr Mars conveyed his appreciation to CLI management and Mayor Uy for the collaborative initiative, noting that from the outset, XU and CLI engaged in discussions on how to help address traffic concerns in the area. He shared his optimism that the project would ease congestion and support sustainable development. Mr Franco Soberano presented the ₱120-million Manresa Access Road project, which is fully funded by CLI, highlighting the strong partnership between the private sector, the academe, and the city government. Mayor Uy welcomed the development and thanked XU and CLI on behalf of the city, emphasizing its significant benefits to the people of Cagayan de Oro. The 2-kilometer road is targeted for completion in 2027. #OneXavier #XavierAteneo

On 25 February 2026, the Ateneo de Manila University community will join other schools, communities, parishes, and organizations in the Tayo ang People Power events in the EDSA Shrine and People Power Monument. As such, this day will be a University Holiday to enable our community to join the EDSA@40 commemoration activities. In addition, Ateneo will also commemorate EDSA@40 with a University Mass on 24 February 2026, 10:30 am at the Blue Eagle Gym. A procession and recitation of the Holy Rosary will precede the Eucharistic celebration. https://go.ateneo.edu/Ateneo-EDSA40

As we celebrate the novena of our Lady of Lourdes (Feb 2-10) leading to her Feastday on Feb 11, Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat House prayerfully joins Baguio’s Panagbenga festival. Blessed Virgin Mary as the “Flower of Humanity”. In Christian tradition, Mary is often compared to a flower in full bloom: “Rosa Mystica” (Mystical Rose), Lily of purity, Flower sprung from the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1) Just as flowers do not bloom by force but by receiving light, water, and time, Mary’s life flowered because of her openness to God’s grace: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Panagbenga—literally “season of blooming”—mirrors this Marian posture: life rising again after hardship, beauty emerging after suffering. In Lourdes Grotto Flowers are expressed as Prayer, Not Decoration. In Marian devotion, flowers are more than ornaments: They are wordless prayers; Symbols of gratitude, trust, and offering; Signs of a harmonious relationship with creation This connects beautifully with Panagbenga floats and floral artistry: when flowers are arranged with care and reverence, they become a kind of liturgical act, echoing Psalm 104—creation praising God by being fully alive. February Blooming, May Flowering. While May is traditionally the Marian month (with Flores de Mayo), Panagbenga in February can be seen as a prelude: • February: creation awakens • May: devotion deepens • Both proclaim that God delights in beauty that leads to praise Mary helps us see that beauty is not an end in itself, but a pathway to God. Panagbenga celebrates the blooming of the land; Marian devotion celebrates the blooming of the heart. Both teach us that when life is entrusted to God, it flowers—quietly, patiently, and generously. Mirador congratulates the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) for organizing this annual celebration. Through Mary’s intercession, we pray for God’s blessings upon the organizers and participants! Photo credits: Noli Gabilo