Last Dec 5., 2018, Xavier School was very happy to host a Memorial Day organized by Ambassador Joszef Bencze of the Hungarian Embassy to honor the Hungarian Jesuits who served in our country. The papal nuncio, Archbishop Caccia, presided at Mass, while Fr. Ari Dy preached, recalling his personal experiences with Fathers Krahl, Kaufmann, and Papilla. After the Mass, testimonials were given by the Jesuit Provincial of Hungary, Fr. Elemer Vizi, and our own alumni, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap, and AAXS President Reggie Yu.
On the morning of Dec 6, the Hungarian ambassador and Fr. Vizi visited the Jesuit cemetery in Novaliches and scattered soil brought from Hungary in the cemetery grounds to bring a part of the Hungarian homeland to the final resting place of Fr. Papilla and Fr. Kaufmann.
We are grateful for this opportunity to remember the Hungarian Jesuits who were so influential in the lives of our alumni.