THE ATENEO de Manila University mourned the passing of Fr. Roque J. Ferriols SJ, one of its cultural icons.

Ferriols, 96, died on August 15.

“We request the Ateneo community to keep Fr. Roque J Ferriols SJ, his family, and his Jesuit brothers in your prayers,” the university said in a statement.

Ferriols taught Philosophy for over 40 years, established the university’s AB Philosophy degree program, and pioneered the teaching of Philosophy in Filipino.

Among his published books are Magpakatao: Ilang Babasahing Pilosopiko (1979), Pambungad sa Metapisika (1991), and Pilosopiya ng Relihiyon (2014).

Ferriols was ordained a priest on June 19, 1954.