LIVING THE ATENEO WAY

(Article for “ur clique” freshmen info digest)

The word Ateneo comes from the Spanish and Italian form of word Athenaeum which is used to describe educational institutions in Rome around 135 A.D. The word is also rooted from the word Athena, the goddess of wisdom and the patron goodness of the capital city of classical Greek antiquity - Athens. Connecting the relationship of the words is quite easy; “Ateneo” is about learning. However, Ateneo has become more than a development of terms pertaining to learning today. In its walk through history, Ateneo and its adjective form “Atenean” has become a word used to describe a way of doing things, a process of thinking, and a manner of living very distinct, very rich that it is changing the world. Sounds intriguing? Here are the values explained in a simple manner which we could explore, understand, apply, and sharpen in our daily lives so we deserve to be called a “True Blooded Atenean”.

Indifference – Don’t be mistaken to translate this to apathy. Indifference in the Ignatian context means a conscious detachment from things and people that could cloud our judgement and poison our inner freedom. Being mindful of our feelings and our relationship with things and people will help us check if we still have a true vision free from any inordinate attachment (e.g. fame, grades, power, things, money, gf, and bf).

Juan failed in the English placement exam even though he studied hard. He was so attached to always being on top that he began to despise those who beat him academically. He became bitter and angry towards his classmates and teachers.

Magis – Latin word for “more”, Magis is the very yardstick of our actions. Magis is not an absolute standard of measurement but a choice for what is better, what yields the greater good, what is more loving. Magis is also the openness to growth we set ourselves and coupled with our commitment to share that growth to others.

Juan and Pedro were leaders of different groups for a social development project in RS 20. Juan decided to organize a huge symposium talking about poverty and development. Great speakers were invited. Pedro on the other hand organized his small group to have a medical mission in the Landfill area with a handful of grocery bags and medical supplies. Pedro’s group got the highest score.

Non Multa Sed Multum – this means not many, but much. Simply put it, quality over quantity. This Ignatian value means relishing the inner meaning and deeper truths behind concepts, ideas, involvements, subjects, and other factors of our realities and not settling to the superficially obvious.

Pedro involves himself 4 different sports. He is quite well-known for his flexibility yet he never got the higher spot of the teams he is in. Juan knows he has something good to offer in the basketball team. He has only one sport and soon became their MVP.

Contemplative in Action – this is quite uneasy to practice in this very fast paced world of XU. This means finding God in all things. It is being aware of the interconnectedness of all things to the source of meaning and life. It is also pondering the movement of God in your life every moment and finding where He is leading you.

Juan was always in the rush. He would transfer classrooms as if he was playing basket-basket. He never walked slowly. After arriving to one point, he is tired and drained. Pedro on the other hand would sometimes look at the patterns of the sky, looks on the different faces passing by, and feels the touch of the breeze as he walks on commerce road. When arrived at his destination. He is so full of meaning, energy and gratitude.

Cura Personalis – “Concern for the Individual person” is oftentimes associated with student-teacher relationships. However, this value is so much lived out in the everyday dealings of us to other students. Personal care means an unwavering desire to help others grow, uncover their potentials and help them realize that they are more than who they think they are. It also means being caring to others.

Juan was so busy surfing Youtube in the aggie bridge watching the climax of a humours video clip. Moments after, a lady slipped releasing a fountain of books and paper into the air and around the floor. Juan immediately shoved his laptop to help the lady fix her things.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – All for the Greater Glory of God! This is the very motto of our Atenean lifestyle. Of all the things we do, we use, we develop are all geared towards giving Greater Glory to God. Having this as the forefront of our feelings, thoughts and actions serves the very purpose why we are created in the first place.

Pedro is in the dead heat of a finals exam. As received his test paper, he prayed silently in his chair and wrote on top of the answer sheet: “AM+DG”. He wants to be reminded always that all his answers and all his efforts of studying are offered to God for his Greater Glory. He got an A.

The Ateneo is more than a brand. It is a lifestyle of excellence, faith, love, and justice.

It is being men and women for and with others.