Education in Philippines enhanced by Albany native

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Although he has not lived in the Albany Diocese for more than 40 years, Jesuit Father James McKeough still calls Albany his home. For the better part of his life, he has lived in Cagayan de Oro, in northern Mindanao in the Philippines.

Now 81, Father McKeough recently journeyed home to visit his brother. But he didn't return to retire; he's just back for a visit.

"I plan on going 'til I drop," he told The Evangelist. "Why stop now?"

Hearing a call

When he was a young man, Jim McKeough wanted to become a doctor. It seemed like the right career since he had always been interested in medicine.

He was in pre-med studies at Dartmouth College and Holy Cross College when it became apparent that he was not destined to wear a stethoscope.

"I found out God had something else in mind," he said. "I was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1954 by Francis Cardinal Spellman in New York City. My first Mass was celebrated at St. Vincent's Church in Albany."

Educational efforts

Father McKeough went on to earn two graduate degrees, one in philosophy and another in biology. Both support his work in Mindanao, where he is a professor of biology, medical ethics and religious studies at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City.

Xavier University, a Catholic liberal arts college founded by the Jesuits in 1933, has more than 10,000 students but also includes a grade school of 1,500 pupils and a high school of 1,000-plus.

In addition to his duties as an educator, Father McKeough is a member of the campus ministry retreat team. Along with other Jesuits, religious and lay persons, he leads retreats and days of recollection for the students.

"We offer these retreats throughout the school year and are also available to the students for spiritual direction," he noted.

Tensions

"Our goal at Xavier is to provide a solid, Catholic education to our young people," the priest explained. "In addition, we seek to improve relations between Christians and Muslims."

Tension has increased in the area as Abu Sayyaf guerrilla terrorists have kidnaped visitors, missionaries and local people to use as bargaining chips with the Philippine government.

In addition, the Philippine army, with support and military training from the U.S., has been fighting Muslim separatist rebels. The rebels are reportedly connected to Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network, although Muslim guerrillas have been fighting for independence in the area for at least 30 years.

"Part of our work at the University includes promoting a better understanding of the differences that divide Christians and Muslims," Father McKeough said. "The younger generation is the future of the world. There is no better place to begin to try and change things than with our young people."

Father McKeough said that Xavier University is always looking for donations to help qualified, financially needy students.

"It only takes $600 to fund one student for one year at Xavier," he said. "$2,400 will be of significant assistance to a college student for the entire four years they attend."

More to do

In September, Father McKeough will return to Xavier. He doesn't see retirement as an option.

"I received a wristwatch from my superior as a gift when I turned 75," Father McKeough recalled. "I wasn't told to retire then, but he did tell me to keep watching my time, which I do. So far, my watch is still running."

(For information on making a donation to Xavier University, e-mail [email protected]. or write to Father McKeough at Xavier University, Corrales St. Cagayan de Oro City, 9000, Philippines.)

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