Rev. Fr. Daniel P. Huang, S.J.,
New Provincial of the
Philippine Society of Jesus

In simple rites that mirrored the simplicity of his person, Rev. Fr. Daniel “Danny” P. Huang, S.J. was inducted as the Ninth Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus at the Loyola House of Studies last June 12, 2004. He succeeds Fr. Romeo J. Intengan, S.J.

Fr. Huang was born in Manila on March 15, 1959. He completed his primary and secondary schooling at the Jesuit-run Xavier School in San Juan, Metro Manila where he graduated as class valedictorian. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, magna cum laude, from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1980. In May of the same year, he joined the Jesuits as a novice at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches where he took his first vows in1982. His regency years were spent at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City where he taught English, Religion, and Journalism. He was likewise Assistant Director of Xavier University’s Haggerty Hall as well as Coordinator of its English Department. He returned to Loyola House of Studies in 1985 to complete his first degree in theology in 1988.

Fr. Huang was ordained to the priesthood before the Most Reverend Jaime Cardinal Sin on March 25, 1988. His first assignment was as Assistant Parish Priest of the Parish of Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur where he concurrently was Campus Minister of Marian College. Following this, he was sent to the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., U.S.A. where he completed a doctoral degree in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.). Upon his return in 1996, Fr. Huang taught Theology at the Loyola School of Theology and served as Director of Deacons, House Librarian, Prefect of Spiritual Affairs, Prefect of Studies, and Spiritual Director of Seminarians at the San Jose Seminary. He was made Rector of San Jose Seminary in 2000, an assignment he handled until he became Provincial Superior in 2004.

Impressive though Fr. Huang’s academic background and accomplishments in his varied assignments are, initial news of his fresh assignment as Provincial Superior found this unassuming Jesuit looking like the proverbial David set out to face myriad Goliaths. After all, at 45, Fr. Huang was assigned to this post at what many judge to be a remarkably youthful age. But there is certainly more to this Jesuit than meets the eye. Those who have sat with Fr. Huang in either individual or communal spiritual exercises as well as in his renowned Christology seminars cum retreats know this priest to be gifted with authentic power proceeding from Above. He likewise has that wonderful blend of intelligence and sharp judgment that enables him to see through extraneous material that often muddles important issues. With the skill of an artist working on matters of the intellect, he then takes these issues to a level of clarity by deftly pruning non-essentials. Moreover, he patiently perseveres with this process in spite of the discomfort that it exacts of him. In the end, though, he succeeds at facilitating the emergence of truth towards necessary action not through a display of such brilliance but through a magnificent sense of humor that is simply disarming. This Jesuit, above all, possesses the ability to laugh, even at himself (!), rendering him a delightfully easy person to be with. His extraordinary gifts pose no barrier between him and even the simplest of people; this prevalent sense of humor allows all to feel that they are on equal footing with him. Such childlike disposition works wonders especially in the high places he now finds himself in.

Already, Fr. Huang has made the rounds of various Jesuits apostolates where he has been met with much reverence and high positive regard. With him at the helm, the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus stands to better confront many of the challenges it has long wrestled with – the consolidation of its various apostolates, the optimization of its manpower resources, the renewal of its social apostolate, the more effective coordination of its schools, the better care of its aged and infirm, and a greater openness to the call for more apostolic engagement in Southeast Asia. All these make for an exciting time to be among those who seek to follow the Lord in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola in this part of the world.

For the
Greater Glory of God
in the Philippines
 

© 2003 Philippine Jesuit Foundation