St. Benedict’s dictum, “Listen with the ear of your heart,” emerges from the Prologue’s Rule of St. Benedict, a guiding text for monastic life that has influenced both religious and secular practices over the centuries. On its surface, St. Benedict’s counsel seems simple: to listen attentively and with compassion. However, upon deeper examination, the metaphor of listening with the “ear of the heart” encapsulates a more profound way of engaging with the world. The “ear” represents openness and receptivity, but the “heart” indicates the intention and mindfulness behind the act of listening. This form of listening is not mere auditory perception; it is an active, empathetic engagement with others, where one listens not only to the words being spoken but to the deeper emotions, needs, and desires that those words may convey.
Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB as the current Rector President of San Beda College Alabang has its way of witnessing and expressing St. Benedict’s message. Listening with the ear of the heart calls for his attentiveness to the “unsaid,” the nuances of human experience that are not always communicated explicitly. It urges him to cultivate a presence of mind that transcends superficial engagement and invites a connection that is rooted in understanding and compassion. In a school like San Beda College Alabang that often demands more from him than what the community can give, his heart beats in harmony with the pulse of the school community he serves. He is not a distant school head, casting judgment from ivory towers or isolated upper room, but one who walks the path alongside his school community—listening, guiding, and learning with every step. This kind of listening becomes vital in building trust, fostering collaboration, and addressing the needs of students, parents, teachers, staff, and people from all walks of life.
Fr. G’s immersion in his school community is nothing short of remarkable. His days are filled with an almost overwhelming number of meetings, with overlapping schedules that blur his sense of time. Despite these demands, he engages fully in his external roles, both locally and internationally, as a resource speaker on the latest trends in theology, education, and technology. His commitment to the community extends far beyond the school gates. He even reaches out to urban and rural partner communities in times of outreach and extension activities, offering his wisdom even to indigenous people. He remains deeply committed to his priestly duties, administering the sacraments with a heart attuned to spiritual needs.
As a human being, priest, and school head, he understands the crucial balance between work and rest. He recognizes that taking time for leisure and recreation is not a luxury, but a necessity for emotional and physical well-being. By consciously prioritizing moments of relaxation, he ensures that he can recharge his energy and maintain the clarity and focus needed to lead effectively. This mindful approach to self-care also sets a positive example for those he leads, demonstrating that true leadership is about constant productivity and maintaining a sustainable pace for the enormous work that awaits. Time spent with friends and family offers him genuine connection and relaxation, fostering a sense of community and support.
Equally important, dedicated moments for prayer provide him with the opportunity to center himself spiritually, reinforcing his faith and sense of purpose. These personal moments of reflection are not indulgent; rather, they are an essential part of his leadership. By stepping away from his duties to nurture his spiritual well-being, he ensures that he can return to his roles with renewed energy, a clearer mind, and a deeper commitment to the people he serves. This practice of spiritual nourishment is foundational, as it helps him maintain perspective and stay grounded in the values that guide his work. By honoring his own need for rest and spiritual nourishment, he demonstrates the truth that true leadership begins from a place of inner peace and resolve, self-awareness, and well-being.
San Beda College Alabang thrives as a community united in purpose. The institution’s remarkable achievements—innovative programs, infrastructure development, and overcoming challenges—are not the result of one individual’s efforts but the collective undertakings of the entire community. Grounded in humility, Fr. G exemplifies his understanding that leadership is a sacred calling rather than a pursuit of power or prestige. Henri Nouwen’s reflection, “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” encapsulates his leadership style — leading with empathy, courage, and dedication to community transformation. In line with Søren Kierkegaard’s notion of daring to lose one’s footing momentarily for a greater purpose, Fr. G takes risks, trusting in the school’s shared mission, vision, and growth. His leadership is a testament to love, humility, and service—an embodiment of leading by listening with an ear of his heart through walking with others, sharing moments of laughter, discerning the good of all, uplifting them through genuine care and encouragement, enkindling a culture of trust and collaboration that inspires those around him.
