MANILA: The Asian Social Institute (ASI) in Manila celebrates its 60th Rose Diamond Jubilee and its foundation until October 2023 with the theme “ASI @60, Celebrating Integrity of Creation.”
ASI was founded by the late Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis Senden, CICM (1916-1973) with the blessings of the late Rufino Cardinal Santos D.D. in June 1962.
ASI President Emerita Dr. Mina Ramirez said Oct. 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Fr. Francis Senden, the reason we fondly call him “Francis of ASI”. October is also the month of a favorite saint of ASI, St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Thus, October is a significant month for ASI.
ASI is a graduate and postgraduate school of social science catering, particularly to Asian students. It aims to form and train leaders in Asia to facilitate the self-empowerment of grassroots leaders to imbue them with the values and principles of Christian social teachings -- respect for the integrity of creation of which human beings are a part, common good, social justice, respect for richness of differentiation, subsidiarity principle, solidarity and communion.
ASI President Felipe Mendoza De Leon Jr. said “love of learning, longing for discovery, commitment to pursuing truth, serving those who have less in life, and making the world a better place “are the underpinnings of our great institute.”
Ramirez said ASI wishes to bridge the multifaceted divides in society -- cultural, economic, political, religious, gender, digital, intergenerational, rural-urban and alienation from Mother Earth.
“We realize that promotion of love, peace and social justice is based on our attitude and behavior of respect for the integrity of creation,” she said.
Source: Philippines News Agency