MANILA (UCAN): Eight-eight-year-old Father Joaquin Bernas, a former Jesuit provincial and a lawyer and who helped draft the Philippine constitution, died on March 6 at the Jesuit Infirmary in Quezon City, Manila, the Jesuits in the Philippines announced.The former dean of the Ateneo de Manila Law School, had been suffering from heart problems, the Jesuits said on social media.
A highly respected legal expert, he was asked to sit on the committee that drafted the Philippines’ current constitution, enacted in 1987, and wrote several books on it which are used by most law schools in the country.
Father Bernas, entered the Jesuits in 1950 and was ordained a priest in 1965. He was the Jesuit’s provincial superior in the Philippines from 1976 to 1982.
The Ateneo de Manila Law School paid tribute to Father Bernas, describing him as an “excellent man for others,” a key principle in Ignatian spirituality.
“We take solace in the knowledge that his was an earthly life filled with meaning and purpose. An earthly life dedicated to service, to standards of excellence, to the greater glory of God,” the school’s current dean, Jose Maria Hofilen, said, adding that the priest’s pursuit of excellence kept Ateneo Law School as one of the country’s best law schools.
“He contributed immeasurably to keeping Ateneo Law School true to its identity and calling. The school’s debt of gratitude to Father Bernas can never fully be repaid,” Hofilena added.
Mel Sta. Maria, an Ateneo alumnus, said Father Bernas was not only a lawyer but a holy priest who fought for justice and peace.
‘We take solace in the knowledge that his was an earthly life filled with meaning and purpose. An earthly life dedicated to service, to standards of excellence, to the greater glory of God’
“We lost a great man today but his inspiration lives on,” he said, adding that the priest taught him to be brave in taking a stand on social issues.
“He once told me that I should not think so much of people’s reaction about my articles, I just have to write and speak out because somewhere out there, even if only one listens, that is enough. The seeds are planted. Thank you, Father Bernas,” Sta. Maria said.
Father Bernas completed his licentiate in sacred theology at Woodstock College in Maryland in the United States, in 1966. He also finished his master’s degree in law and doctorate in juridical science from New York University in 1965 and 1968 respectively.
Following Father Bernas’ death, his remains were cremated and taken to the Jesuit residence at Ateneo de Manila University, where Masses for him will be celebrated until the middle of the month prior to a proper funeral Mass and inurnment in the province’s cemetery at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Quezon City.
