As we close our diamond jubilee, we begin another round of celebration, marking the return of the Jesuits to the Philippines 150 years ago. This sesquicentennial jubilee not only highlights the beginning of the Ateneo de Manila, but recognizes as well the bold strategic priority given by the Jesuits to Mindanao. When the Jesuits came back to the Philippines in 1859, after being suppressed (i.e dissolved) globally in 1773, they set their sights on Mindanao. 

This boldness of spirit is what continues to animate and excite us here in Xavier University. We of Xavier are a frontier people. We are called to leave the security of our little circles and take our positions in the trenches of life. We are ground-breakers and path-makers. We take the perimeter, and from where we stand, we defend the center. 

We are men and women on mission.  We train ourselves to train young minds and hearts to be disciplined and generous enough to offer their lives for others.  We know this mission is not ours ultimately, but Christ's.  For this gift of being invited to serve with Him at the frontlines of education, we shall always be grateful.