New Formation Year Begins at MSP Seminary

         A new academic year in MSP Seminary officially started last May 23 for the College seminarians, and May 27 for the Scholastics. This year, we are blessed to have eight first year philosophy students and one college graduate who will take up associate in Philosophy. They came from various dioceses in our country. We have a total of 17 seminarians for the College department. On the other hand, the Scholasticate department has nine seminarians. These include Frt. John Bordon (T1) who had just finished his Missionary Spirituality Formation Year in Cebu; four Theology 2 seminarians namely Frt. Ryan Jay Aban, Frt. Joseph Baslao, Frt. Rogelio Monton and Frt. Dexter Priete; Frt. Hamilton Cruz (T3) who had just finished his two-year Overseas Training Program in the Diocese of Naha, Okinawa, Japan; Two theology 4 seminarians namely Frt. Ferdinand Aporillo and Frt. Robert Sablon; and Frt. Ramil Hamil.

Each community had their respective planning for this first semester. Both departments elected their coordinator and members of the COMLIFE for the semester. Frt. Hamilton Cruz was elected coordinator of the Scholastics, Frt. Rogelio Monton as the Vice Coordinator and Secretary. Fr. Manuel Jadraque, our rector appointed the different committee chairmen namely: Frt. Dexter Priete - Academics, SemNet and DWSTSA representative; Frt. Ryan Jay Aban - Liturgy and Music; Frt. Joseph Baslao - Procuration and official driver; Frt. John Bordon - Socio-cultural; Frt. Ferdinand Aporillo - Sports and Health; Frt. Robert Sablon - Maintenance; and Frt. Ramil Hamil - Pastoral. On the other hand, Sem. Jessie Gelaga was elected coordinator, Sem. Silverio Alberca as Vice Coordinator and procurator, and Sem. Jordan Cagang as the secretary of the College Department.

Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated by our Father Moderator, Fr. Alfie Africa Jr., MSP together with Fr. Nilo Pacuribot and the Seminary Formators last June 6, 2011 at the scholastics chapel. It is during the Mass also that the new members of the community expressed their commitment of their willingness to undergo the missionary formation for one year. It is also the same occasion that the sophomores, juniors and senior seminarians renew their commitment in the presence of Father Moderator. The Affiliate members (Scholastics) also make a renewal of their promise to be faithful in responding to the different areas of formation. Indeed, it was a grace-filled experience and everybody was hopeful that the Holy Spirit will dwell on each one of us in order for us to grow maturely in our missionary priestly vocation.