Smoke from the Fire

On the midday of Monday, March 3, 2025, firefighters were heard in the area close to Ateneo de Manila University. Within seconds, reports began circulating on social media that there was a fire in Daan Tubo, a place where Jesuit scholastics conduct their apostolate every weekend.

As the Jesuit scholastics received this news while still in class, they shared messages in their group chat, asking for prayers for the people in Daan Tubo, praying for their safety, and for the fire to be extinguished.

After a few hours, we learned that the fire had been put out. However, we discovered that 256 households and over 1,000 individuals had been affected by the blaze. We felt a strong need to help those people with their basic needs. Ateneo students also reacted to the situation, seeking donations to provide assistance to those affected.

The following day, there was a collection effort. The Jesuit brothers coordinated with the Ateneo Student’s Catholic Action (ATSCA) to purchase over a hundred gallons of water, which were donated to the evacuation area. The little things we shared with those affected by the fire proved to be very helpful.

A day later, a mass was held in the fire-affected area. After the mass, we blessed the burned houses with holy water. It was painful to witness how families had lost their homes just before Ash Wednesday.

When we spoke with some families, they could express nothing but tears. One elderly woman said, “Brother, I have nothing left. I saved money for years, planning to do something with it, but now I’ve lost everything.” As I looked at her, tears streamed down her face, and I felt helpless, unsure of how to respond.

As we left the evacuation area, the image of that elderly woman stayed with me. That evening, as I prepared for sleep, I remembered her and all those affected by the fire in my prayers.

As the days passed, the Jesuit scholastics at the Loyola House of Studies continued to seek donations, including clothes, school supplies, and other essentials to bring to the evacuation area and share with those in need.

Daan Tubo is a place in the Philippines, close to Ateneo de Manila University, where the Jesuit scholastics have their apostolate and hold masses.

“In the journey of lent, we are invited to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.”

By: Sch. Bonifacio Ribeiro, SJ