Last September 10, 2005, Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) launched its University Press at the Arrupe Convention Hall. To underscore the importance of this, it presented to the public its first book offering for the year entitled “The Son of Man as Jesus and the Messianic Community” by Mr. Carmelo Sorita, a Faculty Member of AdNU's Theology Department.

Invited to this two-fold event were members of various religious communities, seminaries, and academic institutions in Naga City . Key officials of the university were likewise asked to attend. The occasion was graced by Fr. Victor Salanga, S.J., Dean of the Loyola School of Theology (where Mr. Sorita obtained his M.A.in Theology) and Fr. Pablo David, Mr. Sorita's mentor for this theological treatise. Mr. Sorita's parents, other family members, and his closest friends also honored this occasion with their presence.

The launching took off at 9:00 a.m. with a prayer-song rendition by the University Choir. Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. then welcomed all who were present. He explained that the Ateneo de Naga University Press had in fact long existed. In the past many years, a number of books, manuals, and journals had seen print through concerted efforts of his office staff. After many such successful endeavors, he deemed it best to formalize the establishment of this university press. This was to better consolidate the work on printed materials in the academic community. It would also facilitate a wider dissemination of future publications in local and foreign libraries. He expressed pride that this university press was also launching Mr. Sorita's book. He believed that it was a most worthy scholarly piece of writing that he had seen fit to personally encourage.

Fr. Vic Salanga, S.J. then introduced the author by giving many delightful accounts that depicted Mr. Sorita's passion, dedication, and humility as a scholar. He concluded by saying that Mr. Sorita's book had zealously tackled a controversy that presently engages top scholars in the field of theology. This made this endeavor truly “world-class.” Fr. Pablo “Ambo” David followed by narrating how Mr. Sorita and himself had, during Mr. Sorita's student days, chanced upon each other. This encounter joined them together in the humbling and earnest work of bridging the gap between an individualist view of Jesus as alone being the Messiah and the corporate view of the Son of Man as inclusive of all who live out the ideals of the kingdom.

A presentation by Mr. Sorita followed. Through a Powerpoint presentation, he walked the audience through crucial points of each chapter in his book. A subsequent open forum allowed the audience to dialogue with the author on some of these points. Asked by the Fr. President how the completion of this work helped him in his role as a Theology teacher and formator in the community, Mr. Sorita replied, “My reflections from this work have led me to more deeply understand how Jesus truly served to unmask the dignity and worth of people. It is my hope that my own encounters with students become ways to, in small and big ways, invite them to hold this same truth of how Jesus values and includes them in His kingdom.”

The program ended with the awarding by Dr. Rebecca Torres, AdNU's Academic Vice President, of gifts to Frs. Salanga and David. She expressed the university's gratitude to these two mentors of Mr. Sorita for making this book possible.

A book signing by the author followed while guests partook of refreshments served. For this special occasion, the book “The Son of Man as Jesus and the Messianic Community” was sold at a discounted price of Php315.

Emcee for this occasion was Mr. Noli Ayo of the Office of the President.

For inquiries on this book or requests for copies, do contact Ms. Mary Anne P. Ledesma, Director of the Ateneo de Naga University Press, at (054) 473-0759.