FR. JOSE Cecilio Magadia, SJ, has played several roles—teacher, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (ADAA), rector of Loyola House of Studies— throughout his 17 years as a Jesuit priest.
Now, he is taking on another role, and a bigger one at that: being Provincial Superior of the Philippine Jesuits, leader of all Jesuits in the country.
Magadia, fondly called “Fr. Jojo” by his co-workers, was included in the list of names submitted to Jesuit Superior General Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, in Rome, when it was time to choose a new Philippine Provincial Superior.
The list of three names, called the terna, included those of University President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ, and former Provincial Superior Daniel Patrick Huang, SJ.
Nicolas officially appointed Magadia as the new Philippine Provincial in a letter addressed to Huang, dated May 9. Last June 12, on the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Magadia was introduced to the community as the new Provincial.
Renewing a commitment
Magadia entered the Society of Jesus in 1980 and was ordained to priesthood in 1991. For him, entering priesthood is not about “moments of calling.”
“That’s not the way it works,” Magadia said. “There’s a time when you decide, and once you’ve decided, it’s a matter of renewing your commitment.”
Campus Ministry Office Director Fr. Roberto Buenconsejo, SJ, who has known Magadia since college, described him as a very warm person. “When it comes to work, he isn’t intimidating. When you’re working with him, he doesn’t put you down,” he said.
“He’s a solid, quiet worker … and he doesn’t call attention to himself.”
Buenconsejo also said Magadia has a brilliant mind. “He has a keen insight into current and very important local and global issues.”
Magadia is particularly concerned about environmental issues, especially ecological preservation, he added.
“Whatever!”
Magadia graduated with a degree in Philosophy from the Ateneo and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University. He was also a lecturer at the Political Science Department for five years.
Department Head Alma Maria Salvador, Ph.D., said he uses Filipino slang like “jologs” and “churva” while talking with his former colleagues.
“His favorite word actually is ‘whatever!’” Salvador said. “Halimbawa magtatanong kami (for example, we’ll ask), ‘Father, we’re going to the meeting venue. Are you going there by yourself or do you want to ride with us?’ He would just say, ‘Whatever!’”
Saying “whatever,” however, does not mean that Magadia was dismissive. “I think the ‘whatever’ also has something to do with being indifferent,” Salvador said.
She recalls Magadia telling her that part of being a Jesuit is being “indifferent.”
“Alam mo naman yung mga (You know the) Jesuits…or priests in general—wherever and whatever you’re taken…you have to obey. And Fr. Jojo lived that kind of indifference,” she said.
Fire and friendship
Magadia’s first plan is to get to know the Jesuits institutions in the Philippines.
After attending the 35th General Congregation (GC 35) of the Jesuits, Magadia also plans to make its spirit alive among the Jesuits in the Philippines by renewing all ministries. Along with Nebres and Huang, Magadia attended the GC 35 in Rome to represent the Philippines.
The three Jesuits’ attendance at the GC 35 is “evidence enough that they are really trusted by the Society of Jesus,” said Buenconsejo.
“I hope that he will be able to lead the Jesuits to rekindle the fire of great love for Jesus, because that is what the Society of Jesus is all about,” he said.
