Columnist, Playright, Priest, Teacher – not necessarily in that order: that’s him. He is pure-bloodied Yankee but, he is more Filipino than many, many Filipinos, especially those who have lost faith in their own country, in their own countrymen, whether they are abroad or in these islands. This is my blog in salute.
2007 February 20 at 10:02 pm |
I have just discovered this site, and would like to thank you for it. I am the niece of Fr. Reuter and have always know what at kind and wonderful man he is. It makes me very happy to see his words brought to life with your lovely images. Thank you.
2007 March 20 at 6:03 pm |
finally, someone who dedicated a webpage for an optimistic columnist. As a member of the provincial middle class, I prefer father Reuters column because he does not scold or label anyone else as “lazy, corrupt, or stupid” , and that he encourages us to develop what is good in our nation. I hope that you have a defense against the leftist blogs because they labelled father Reuters, Bo Sanchez and Tony Meloto, as “purveyors of false hope” in their posts.
2007 March 21 at 10:26 am |
My advice is for you not to read those who have nothing new to say, whoever they are. I was one of the visible and identifiable faces who fought for nationalism and against anti-people governments in the early 1960s, and what they shout – and write – now are the same ones we did 40 years ago, except that the names have changed. Like Rizal, I (have) changed from advocating political liberation to popular (people-based) liberation. Like: Bo Sanchez advocates a paradigm shift; Tony Meloto advocates a community shift – Fr Reuter advocates a personal shift. Some people can’t change, and that includes the would-be change agents who shout slogans and stop at that.
Purveyors of false hopes, indeed! Read Fr Reuter and see hope despite despair. Read Kerygma and see real hopes in real people. Visit a Gawad Kalinga village and see real hopes in real communities.
As to debating with the leftists, I am willing to debate with any one of them, blog to blog.
2007 March 21 at 4:27 pm |
actually, I think I remember that the name of that leftist blog was mulingsilang or something. Anyway, besides leftists, other people who annoy us here in the provinces with their pessimism are the columnists Abaya, De quiros, and Pamintuan and of course the comments from other foreigners about our country (like those coming from Lee kwan yew and the industrialized nations after we were branded the most corrupt country in asia. Now they are saying that the Filipinos are a bunch of failed Asians!). Ano ba problema nila? Parang tingin nila sa Pinas eh dahil walang pera at walang “culture” e pwede nang mata-matahin! di tama yon.
However, it’s about time people like Fr. Reuter start showing others that there is more to life than money or pride and that they leave us Filipinos in peace.
2007 March 21 at 4:58 pm |
You inspired me, so now I have just opened a blogsite dedicated to the current political arena:
htth://faithhopeaccommodation.wordpress.com/.
2007 April 6 at 8:47 am |
I too am a relative of Father Jim and thank you for your site. Our mothers were sisters. I was just a child when he moved to the Phillipines. I last saw him at my mother and father’s home in 1961. I now correspond with him and he truly is a special man. Mitzi if you read this get in touch. Your Aunt Nancy has my email address.
2007 September 7 at 4:49 am |
Dear Barbara: I would love to write Father Reuter. Years ago he was my inspiration. I was in several musicals he produced and directed — West Side Story, South Pacific, . . . wonderful experiences. His energy and love are contagious and an inspiration to all that knew him.
Thanks you Barbara, Jim
2007 September 30 at 6:12 am |
Jim Melfi. Do you have Fr. Jim’s address? if not let me know. I’ll be glad to share it with you. Barbara
2007 October 4 at 2:27 pm |
I had the privilage of writing about Fr. James Reuter as a theater director in the 50+ in Philippines theater as my undergraduate thesis in the University of the Philippines back in 2003. I was able to interview his former students from like Subas Herrero, Jeanne Young, Celeste Legaspi to his young students of present years. Though my research is far from being professional-standard (being done by a novice researcher and writer), the paper is rich with my interviews with his former students who made it big in Philippine entertaniment, my collection of over 60 of his plays (from the 50’s to 2000 ), souvenir programs, posters and pictures of his 50-year + theater career. I am currently in the Daly City, CA and I have one copy with me. Another copy is in the University of Philippines, Diliman, Theater Department or the main library.
2007 October 4 at 3:02 pm |
Kath,
Thanks for the info. That’s quite a treasure you have for a thesis. I’m interested in the output precisely because you are ‘a novice researcher and writer – I want the information as raw as possible.
You are not thinking of writing a book based on your thesis? If you were around, I would convince you to do it, and even help you do it if I have to.
Frank
2008 February 4 at 5:29 am |
I, too, am related to Fr. Reuter. His mother and my father were sister and brother. I met his mother many times and have visited his sister, Dorothy. I never had the privilege of meeting Fr. Reuter but have followed his life story through my mother and father. My brother, Joe (now passed on), who lived in the Philippines visited Fr. Reuter. I have always been an admirer from afar.
Fran
2008 February 4 at 2:41 pm |
He is now writing about how we should accept loss (death) with understanding, if not with joy. I’m 68 myself, and I just thank the Lord for every single day.
2008 February 13 at 7:10 am |
It tickles me to know that this exists. Thanks for doing this. The Man for all seasons – especially the political seasons in our country – is still powerful in his written word, and extremely consistent. I used to work with “Papa Bear” as he refers to himself to us at the National Office of Mass Media. We call him “Tatang”. And despite his age – all of 91 going on 92 this May 21, he’s still as sharp as ever! You do our country a terrific favor when you continue to emulate the humility, justice and diligence that Fr. Reuter is.
Best of luck!
Enid
2008 February 13 at 7:36 am |
I subscribe to Fr Reuter’s textmail (SMS) everyday and I am reminded that to do good is most difficult – and that is the perfect reason for doing it.
2008 February 24 at 9:01 am |
Dear Barbara Dunn-Gibbons: I wasn’t able to locate your email address. I had posted a message here on 9/7/07. Could you please email me Father Jim’s email address to putnamhh@bellsouth.net. Thank you Barbara. Jim
2008 February 24 at 11:40 am |
i don’t have the email myself. but st paul university in quezon city, philippines have their
fr james b reuter theater and they should know something:
fr http://www.spuqc.edu.ph/
or try his ‘alma mater’ ateneo de manila university
webmaster@admu.edu.ph
2008 March 9 at 11:37 pm |
I am a fan of Fr. James Reuter. My grandfather owns a copy of the “At 3:00 AM” set, which I borrowed from him years back.
His words are inspiring, and hits the very heart of the Filipino. Leftists (the extreme left, or the communists) frown upon writers such as Fr. James, because they don’t understand the Christian sense of hope, family, love, etc. They don’t believe in God!
2008 May 5 at 9:28 pm |
Hi, would anyone be so kind as to provide Fr. Reuter’s contact details (preferably e-mail)? I would appreciate it very much. My e-mail address is riptidegarou@yahoo.com. Thank you for your kind consideration.
2008 May 5 at 10:13 pm |
macky, at this point in his life, i have been told that fr reuter cannot / should not be bothered anymore. he is more than 90. i don’t know how to contact any of his contacts in any case. he had a newspaper column as i remember (i forgot the name of the paper).
you may like to visit this as it has something about fr reuter and the guy may know:
http://myjoaquinfamily.blogspot.com/2007/08/wedding-anniversary48-years.html
2008 June 16 at 11:45 am |
I have just discovered this site while trying to find out how his fans can read his articles without wihtout having to buy the paper.
Father Reuter’s e-mail address for those who wish to contact him: nomm.xh@gmail.com.
He does not use the computer but the staff prints out his e-mail and he does reply. I’m sure he would be thrilled to hear from those of you specially who are his relatives. He is now 92, uses a cane or a wheelchair to get around but mind is still very sharp. He just finished writing a stage play on the life of Father Patrick Peyton, founder of the Family Rosary Crusade.
Cherry A
2008 August 3 at 8:01 pm |
can anyone tell me anything about The Cathedral Player, which is written by Fr. James Reuter?
2008 October 29 at 12:35 am |
hello. id like to invite all of you to Father Reuter’s new play entitled “Our Children’s Children.” Im actually a part of the cast and its good to know that Father Reuter has indeed touched a lot of people here in the Philippines. If you’re free, you might want to see him again, just visit http://www.spumanila.edu.ph and see the details of our upcoming play. God bless
2008 October 29 at 12:37 am |
oh and.. if you want, you could email me – melissalucero727@yahoo.com
i know that father has a lot of friends, and it would be nice for him to see all of you.
2008 November 6 at 10:33 pm |
hi. hello.
thanks God, i’ve discovered this site.
I’ve personally met Fr. James B. Reuter S.J. way back my high school days (1996-1997) during our school play which he directed. It was entitled Marinette, about the life of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier (Founder of the Presentation of Mary Sisters).
I can still partly remember the prayer he usually utter everyday, every time we pray. It was the Prayer for the Filipinos. Sadly, i have already forgotten the entire prayer. If you could help me find a copy of that prayer i would be very much thankful.
Also, if somebody knows his email address.
Thank you very much.
2008 November 7 at 5:01 am |
Fr Reuter, I’ ve never met him, but I salute him. There is one other White Man I know who loved the Filipinos more than many Filipinos love themselves. I never met him either: William Henry Scott.
2009 May 24 at 10:25 am |
Hi, I’ve heard a lot about Fr. Reuter all these years but I never really had any opportunity to actually meet him or attend the retreats or other activities that he handles. Can anybody here provide info on these? I’d really appreciate it a lot if someone could. Thanks and God bless us all.
2009 May 27 at 9:24 pm |
for frankahilario: another “white man” you might want to include is the eminent historian, Fr John Schumacher, SJ. He resides (last heard) at the Loyola House of Studies, AdeM campus, Quezon City
Peace!
2009 May 27 at 9:36 pm |
Sonny,
Thanks for the reminder and the tip of where he can be contacted.
Schumacher is one historian who is more Filipino than many historians.
Frank
2009 May 29 at 3:32 am |
Fr James Reuter has been one of those Jesuit mentors that I considered a “hero” since grade school in the Ateneo. Last time I saw him was in 2001 at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles in an Ateneo Reunion. Was in fact amazed, rather surprised, that he was still very much alive and very much alert (to think that this was 8 years ago).
I remember the gist of what what he said during that reunion – he was effusive in his praise for the Filipinos as being ‘beautiful people’. I remember the voice and the sound and the distinct accent of Fr Reuter – it was indeed him alive – not an impostor.
I have a question to ask: Why do we have to always bring about the subject of Philippine Development, Singapore, Leftists, Foreign Immigration, Diaspora, etc and or anything related to it when talking about Fr Reuter ?
He is a man of God – that is all there is to it – and that is all that really make sense. Anything else other than that identity or reality only dimninishes and stains the sacredness and gravitas of Fr Reuter.
There will always be special people like him – regardless of time, place, nation, politics, economy, wealth and other vicissitudes.
After all, persons like Fr Reuter will be a testimony (at least to me) that God watches over us humans in this imperfedct world.
2009 May 29 at 6:47 am |
Thank God for special people like Fr Reuter!
2009 July 14 at 9:01 am |
I am thankful to God for this website. I have never had the privilege of meeting the good priest in person but he has touched my life and spirit in ways that no other friend have. I have been longing to send him a letter. I saw the email given here…has anybody tried it? Is it real? Thanks and God bless us all!
2009 July 14 at 9:58 am |
I haven’t tried the email address myself. Anyway, I know that Fr Reuter is at the twilight of his life, so don’t expect any reply from him directly. But, why not a miracle?!
2009 July 14 at 4:41 pm |
It’s ok I understand that. I just want him to know that somebody named Malyn is thankful to God for him…that his work has been fruitful and that I admire him…
2009 July 14 at 5:29 pm |
Yes, Malyn, we all thank God for giving us Fr James Reuter.