In a heartwarming tribute to a guiding light, mentor, and source of inspiration, dear friends from within the Jesuit community and beyond, gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass celebrating the remarkable journey of Fr. Mateo Sanchez, SJ last October 15, Sunday evening at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University.
The beloved formator and missionary affectionately called “Tatay Mat”, who celebrated his milestone 90th birthday last September 1, presided over the Thanksgiving Mass honoring his 68 fruitful years of humble service to the Society of Jesus.
Following the Mass, guests were introduced to “Balik Lantaw: Diary of a Jesuit Missionary,” Jesuit Communications’ latest publication recounting Fr. Mat’s incredible journey among the Umayamnon indigenous community in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. In the compelling diary-style account, Fr. Mat shares the highs and lows of his missionary life — from overcoming challenges to finding deep joy and fulfillment in his ministry.
“For a wide-eyed, not-so-young Jesuit novice then, I saw his passion for the mission as rather inspiring- a senior citizen at that! Plus his name preceded him, ala-mat,” shared Fr. Bros Flores, SJ of his first impression of the legendary Jesuit nearly two decades ago.
“What cannot be taken away is his deep love for missionary work, his indefatigable spirit to do good for the least, last, and lost. As his companion in the retreat ministry now, I am seeing how that spirit and passion for the mission has enhanced his sense of accompaniment of souls in the retreat ministry,” he added in his previous interview with JesCom.
The writer of “Balik Lantaw’s” foreword, Fr. Bros fondly recalls a particular anecdote from Fr. Mat’s collection of entries that illustrates the latter’s profound connection with the divine, in the midst of daily missionary life.
“It would be the story of Datu Intit, a seasoned Umajamnen assassin. Seeing the good in him and the possibility of conversion despite the many killings attributed to him and the fear he has sowed among his tribesmen is really remarkable,” he described.
“Now, Datu Intit is a new man. His son, now a recently graduated and registered social worker, attributes how his father’s conversion has paved the way for him to be of service to the work of God among the Umajamnens as a social worker. He felt that if not for Fr Mat’s belief in the goodness of his father, he would have ended up like his father, an assassin too,” remarked Fr. Bros about the life-changing transformation that began with the trust and kindness displayed by Fr. Mat.
As readers, especially young people, turn the pages of “Balik Lantaw”, Fr. Bros hopes that the book’s timeless lessons will inspire future generations of missionaries to serve in the peripheries of society- following in the footsteps of “Tatay Mat”.
“Be open to God’s directions and redirections in your life. God’s detours and redirections always lead us to the best plan for us,” advised the Executive Director of Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation, Inc., and Mission Superior of the Bukidnon Mission District.
“Saying yes to God is not doing Him a favor, but actually favors us. When we say yes to him, no matter what it takes, makes us the best version of ourselves — way, way better than the best we can ever imagine ourselves to be!”
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