The entrance to the Horacio de la Costa Center, on its western side, welcomes visitors coming from the previous LST facilities and the Ateneo de Manila University campus through an enclosed garden. The facade is marked with the “IHS” of the Society of Jesus, as well as the Ignatian motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. All that is done at LST is done in the name of Jesus Unto the Greater Glory of God.

At the center of the LST front lawn is a statue and mosaic designed by Jesuit artist Fr. Rene B. Javellana, S.J., and assisted by Fr. Jason Dy, S.J. “Kindling the Fire” depicts the religious experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola by the River Cardoner:

“While at Manresa, Ignatius had an experience at the River Cardoner that opened his eyes. Reality became transparent to him to see God working in the depths of everything and inviting him to ‘help souls’. This view of reality taught him a contemplative way of standing in the world. He does not sweeten or falsify painful realities. Rather he begins with them, exactly as they are – poverty, forced displacement, violence between people, abandonment, structural injustice – but then he points to how God’s Son was born in these realities; and it is here that sweetness is found” (Excerpt from the Jesuit General Congregation 35 Decree 2, “A Fire that Kindles Other Fires”, nos. 5-6). The Hebrew letters in the middle of the mosaic spell YESHUA (Jesus).

A modest lobby welcomes the visitor to the Horacio de la Costa Center of Loyola School of Theology. On the right is the building marker: it presents the Vision-Mission Statement of LST and dedicates the building to the memory of Fr. Horacio de la Costa, S.J., founder of LST.

The dominating mural is by National Artist Jose Blanco of Angono. It depicts the Salubong (or Encuentro in Spanish): the uniquely Filipino celebration of life, light and joy in Christ’s Resurrection which vanquishes death, darkness and sorrow in the Risen Christ’s encounter with his mother.

A 255-square-meter, multi-purpose facility for informal meetings, rest, light reading, relaxation, as well as large-group convocations like the school’s regular Theological Hour, the Jaime Cardinal Sin Center enjoys a beautiful view of Marikina.

The center is named in honor of the late His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, D.D., former Archbishop of Manila, as a sign of the gratitude of Loyola School of Theology and the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus for his invaluable support of LST and his pastoral leadership in the Church in the Philippines and Asia, especially in the struggle for the social justice that God wills.

The LST Library, or the Ralph B. Gehring Library, has been described as the “best theological library in Southeast Asia.” Presently, it houses an approximate 100,000 volumes which include theological, philosophical, cultural, historical, and other sociological periodicals that complement LST’s  program of instruction and the Jesuit character of the institution. Formerly owned by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, the library was donated to LST in 1996 and is intended primarily for the use of its faculty and students.

Designed also by Fr. Rene Javellana, S.J., the chapel is the gem of the Horacio de la Costa Center. The low altar contains a first-class relic of St. Ignatius of Loyola, given to LST by former Superior General, Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, when he approved the construction of the building. Florentine glass windows depict themes of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola through its abstract melding of colors.

The roof deck, popularly called “The Titanic,” is a triple-tiered facility that was developed with much joy and excitement as the building was being constructed.

It has a covered area, a service area, and comfort rooms. The roof deck is accessible directly from the central spine of the De la Costa Center or from the fourth floor of Loyola House of Studies. It can be accessed by elevator or through ramps for the handicapped. It is a privileged venue for prayer, conversations, or occasionally, community celebrations.

The roof deck celebrates the view of Marikina valley against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. On a clear day, Mts. Banahaw and Makiling can be seen to the southeast. The view, God’s special gift to LST, is best appreciated in the late afternoon.