68 | THE GUIDON GRADUATION MAGAZINE 2014
PHOTO BY JESSICA L. ROASA
ADolfo Dacanay, SJ By Nadine Y. Ramos SOME STUDENTS were lucky–or unlucky, depending on your experience–enough to have had Fr. Adolfo Dacanay, SJ as their teacher. Enlisting in Fr. Dacanay’s Theology 131 class seems to be nothing short of a death wish. It would be an understatement to say that he’s one of the more intimidating figures on campus (with a veritable force field around him as he walks to class). However, being Dacanay’s student is definitely memorable. From following a strict dress code to forcing yourself to come to class prepared lest be berated, or simply learning about love and the meaning of marriage. In teaching theology, Dacanay hopes to form a “mature, critical person,” unlike some Catholics he has encountered who “become like kids again” when discussing faith. But Catholics don’t have a monopoly on doing the good. Dacanay adds: “There are other equally responsible, loving, moral persons that are not believers. But I think a Catholic has a certain perspective of the world, and that
is what I want to teach.” But the world, as Dacanay says, is a very complicated place. “Many things will compete for your attention.” So why should students bother paying attention in Theology? He says, “I don’t know if [graduates] just tell you this to flatter you, but [they] say that what makes the Ateneo education different are the core subjects. It forms critical thinking, forms reflection. It’s part of the mission of the university.” Theology, he says, is important to fulfilling the formative function of the university. For Dacanay, this formation is essential. “Philosophy and theology [classes] teach you how to learn,” he says. “When you [work] for a company, they re-tool you completely.” So, Dacanay says, “Keep your moorings, keep your anchors.” When graduates start earning, Dacanay explains, “there is a tendency for the kite to be cut off from the strings.” But rather than be swept away, Dacanay advises graduates to remember their values, their faith. “In the end these are the things that will keep you solid and guide you in important decisions. You will value those things.”