Fr. Malley: A person of gratitude through lifetime service

A fitting celebration to give tribute to Fr. William “Bill” Malley, S.J., the man behind the establishment of Ignatian Institute of Religious Education Foundation (IIREF), and to praise God for this wonderful human being could be no other than the Eucharistic celebration.

Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, along with other priests presided over the thanksgiving mass at the bishop’s residence recently.

Fr. Malley, according to Archbishop Valles is like a “sunburst” which radiates God’s light and love in this part of the world, enlightening those who receive the gift of theological knowledge and Godly wisdom through the institute he founded.

Dinner was served after the Eucharistic celebration. Messages of appreciation and thanksgiving by Fr. Bill’s close friends also highlighted the celebration.

It was in Ateneo de Davao University that Fr. Malley, founded the Ignatian Institute of Religious Education (IIRE) in 1992. It developed and was transferred to the Holy Cross of Davao College in 2003. Its name was changed into what is now the Ignatian Institute of Religious Education Foundation (IIREF).

Today, IIREF offers Masters and Doctorate degrees in Theology. A unique feature of the institute is its Vicariate Schools of Theology Program, giving theological education to lay leaders in the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Davao and neighboring dioceses.

It also holds classes in three prison houses: in the Diocese of Tagum; in Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Panabo City; in the Correctional Institution for Women in Sto. Tomas; and in Tagum City Jail.

With Fr. Malley’s trailblazing dynamism, IIREF has served and hopes to continue serving the local Church of Davao here and beyond. (Niño Legaspi Cuestas)