Jesuit Communications (JesCom) proudly announces the upcoming release of Wilts and Blooms, a book by Fr. Jason K. Dy, SJ, which is set to hit shelves soon. As an artist and Jesuit priest, Fr. Jason brings his unique perspective on life, art, and faith to the forefront through his exquisite floral arrangements and profound reflections, captured in this compelling new publication.
Known for his evocative Ikebana flower arrangements featured in Radyo Katipunan’s Keep the Faith Daily Masses, Fr. Jason’s creative practice became a source of solace and inspiration for a thriving virtual parish during the pandemic. His thoughtful creations—crafted from everyday materials such as branches, leaves, and flowers found on the Ateneo de Manila University campus during the lockdown—became a symbol of resilience, hope, and artistic beauty amidst difficult times.
Subtitled ‘Considering Seasons and Times’, Wilts and Blooms delves deep into the art of Ikebana, the Japanese tradition of flower arranging, blending this ancient practice with Catholic liturgical events and universal human experiences. The title itself reflects Fr. Jason’s spiritual and artistic philosophy: that life, just like flowers, goes through a natural cycle of growth, bloom, and eventual decay. Yet within the wilting lies the promise of renewal and transformation—a theme that resonates throughout the book’s reflections on beauty, loss, and rebirth.
In the book’s preface, Fr. René Javellana, SJ explains that Fr. Jason’s simple act of arranging flowers has grown into a profound spiritual exercise, rooted in contemplation and dialogue with God. His practice, grounded in the principles of the Sogetsu school of Ikebana, reveals not only his mastery of the art form but also his deep connection to nature and his ability to find meaning in life’s fleeting moments.
As described further by Carissa R. Singson, Wilts and Blooms is more than just a guide to flower arranging—it’s an invitation to embark on an inward journey of reflection and prayer. Fr. Jason’s carefully curated arrangements speak to the impermanence of life while offering glimpses of the divine in the everyday. Each piece featured in the book is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things and a reminder to appreciate the beauty around us, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
Fr. Jason’s artistic journey may have begun before the pandemic, but it was during this period of great uncertainty that his work gained widespread recognition. His floral sculptures became a vital part of the Keep the Faith Masses, helping to enliven the virtual liturgy and offering viewers a space for spiritual contemplation. Wilts and Blooms captures this transformative process, chronicling how simple materials, including “discarded” objects, were transformed into expressions of beauty, hope, and faith.
Readers of Wilts and Blooms will find themselves moved by Fr. Jason’s thoughtful reflections on life’s cycles of growth, decay, and renewal. As a professor of art at the Ateneo de Manila University and the Chaplain of the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines, Fr. Jason’s work continues to inspire a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around us. His book offers a profound meditation on finding grace in the ephemeral and the discarded.
Wilts and Blooms is not just a book for flower enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking moments of quiet reflection and inspiration. It reminds us that, even in times of struggle, beauty can still be found, and life’s challenges can lead to moments of growth and transformation.
Wilts and Blooms will soon be available for purchase via the JesCom Online Shop (JOSH).
For more information, email us via sales@jescom.ph, or call 0929 864 9010 / 8-426-59-71 local 127
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