San Carlos Seminary Community
School Year 2012-2013
CONTENTS
page 08-15
San Carlos Seminary:
A Diamond In Makati
by Rev. Ral Jaden C. Paguergan
STAFF
Marvin Cruz
Editor
Paul Jeffrey Toguay
Assistant Editor
Kevin Cosme
Lynch Flores
Bon Navarro
Ral Paguergan
Norman Trambulo
Writers
Adrian Ermita
Vic Kevin Ferrer
Fred Cristian Narvasa
Greg Turqueza
Photos and Materials
Dean Jerome Cruz
Marvin Cruz
Jerico Silva
Layout and Design
Clyde Ericson Nolasco
Kristoffer Duque
Cover Design
Jonathan Cadiz
Alford Molina
Finance
Fr. Lorenz Moises Festin
Moderator
Msgr. Hernando Coronel
Rector
page 16-19
Loving the Church
by Rev. Fr. Rolando P. Garcia, Jr.
pages 20-29
Formators, Professors, Seminary Personnel
page 30-35
Formation Year Department
A great beginning...
by Lynch Kristoffer B. Flores
page 36-47
Philosophy Department
Living the Faith
by Kevin Joshua B. Cosme
page 48-53
Graduates 2013
Thanksgiving Address
by Karlo Marko D. Valladores
page 54-64
Theology Department
A Journey of Faith
by Bon Andeo Navarro
Pastoral Spiritual Integration Year
The PSIY Experience
by Ace Fernando Y. Cara
page 65-71
Ordinandi 2013
I Miss My Classmates
by Jonathan T. Cadiz
To Preach and to Bear Witness
by Rev. Marion Noel Q. Bayaras
page 72-77
San Carlos Seminary
in the Year of Faith
by Bon A. Navarro
page 78-79
SCS Publications 2012-2013
To be Salt and Light
by Rev. Fr. Victor Angelo S. Parlan
page 80
Published by
San Carlos Seminary
Copyright © 2013
All Rights Reserved
the sower
pages 04-07
Messages
SCS Publications 2013 Staff
THE SOWER is the official yearbook
of San Carlos Seminary published by
its seminarians. The materials used in
the production of this publication are
maintained by the SCS Publications
Committee, and may not be used aside
from their intended purpose.
The SOWER derives its name from the
parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) and
endeavors to witness to the Word of
God that is sowed and made grown so
as to bear fruit in due time. This annual
publication of San Carlos Seminary seeks
to share the kind of life Karlistas have in
the seminary. Most especially, it seeks to
serve as an invitation for altruistic young
men to respond to the call of God to serve
of His Church.
a journey of faith
“We want this Year to arouse in every believer the
aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed
conviction, with confidence and hope. It will also be a good
opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy,
especially in the Eucharist ... At the same time, we make it our
prayer that believers’ witness of life may grow in credibility. To
rediscover the content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, lived
and prayed, and to reflect on the act of faith, is a task that every
believer must make his own, especially in the course of this Year.”
(Pope Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei, 9)
FAITH REDISCOVERED
This year, San Carlos Seminary commemorates milestones along its
way of forming and preparing young men to the priesthood. We look
back at important events in our history which bear significance to our
journey of faith today. Of great importance is our celebration of the
60 years of our seminary in Makati. All those years had been there
in fruitful service to the Church and in being faithful to our mission.
The first part of this yearbook is devoted to a rediscovery of our faith
journey in the past which makes us thankful and jubilant as we enter
into the next years ahead of us.
FAITH CELEBRATED
As we enter into the present, we discover how faith has led us
throughout another fruitful year in formation. In this section, we enter
into the people and events that led us through another year. In this, we
celebrate with much joy and gratitude around the faith that has brought
us together in the Lord.
FAITH PROCLAIMED JOYFULLY
Finally, we move beyond to reach out and share the faith that has
sustained us. In sharing it, we grow all the more in our faith as we bring
others to the Lord. Formation then becomes mission. It is only when
faith is shared and proclaimed with joy that it truly becomes incarnate.
In this section, we share the Good News of our faith to others.
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila
121 Arzobispo Street, Intramuros
P.O. Box 132, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No. 5277531, Tel./Fax 5273955, 5273850
Message
I extend my warmest greetings to the community of San Carlos
Seminary through this yearbook, The Sower.
The events and developments in the 2012-2013 not only in your
seminary but in the country and the world will be recorded
and preserved in this edition of The Sower as history for the
future. Part of this history is the Year of Faith declared by Pope
Benedict XVI as a way of giving “renewed energy to the Church’s
mission to lead men and women out of the desert in which
they so find themselves, and towards the place of life, towards
friendship with Christ who gives us life in all its fullness.” We
remember with a tug in our hearts these words in the face
of his announcement of his resignation from the Papacy on
February 11, 2013, providing us a palpable portrait of a true
and authentic witness to the faith, with his humility, simplicity,
courage and honesty.
With greater desire to heed his words we embrace the Year
of Faith, and face the challenges now before us, to put our
complete trust in God, to have faith in Him and with Him, to
yield to His plan because His plan leads us to His Kingdom.
Congratulations to you all for another fruitful year. May the
coming year yield more plentiful and enriching harvest, with
God’s abundant grace and blessings.
+ Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Archbishop of Manila
20 February 2013
Message
I am happy to greet the formators and seminarians of San Carlos
Seminary, the Archdiocesan Seminary of Manila, through the
publication, The Sower.
To respond to the expectations of modern society and cooperate
in the vast evangelizing action that involves all the faithful, we
need well-trained and courageous priests who are free from
ambition and fear but convinced of the Truth of the Gospel. The
chief concern of the priest must be to proclaim the Christian
faith and to enable everyone with whom he comes in contact
to experience God and His love.
In these exciting times for the Church, may you live up to
the expectations that the Church has for you, through the
intercession of Mary, Mother of priests and seminarians, and St.
Charles Borromeo, your heavenly Patron.
In the name of His Holiness Pope Francis, I bless you
Archbishop GIUSEPPE PINTO
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines
10 May 2013
Office of the Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
Villa San Miguel
438 Shaw Boulevard corner E. Rodriguez Street, 1550 Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Tel. No. 5317034, 5317069, 5310672, 5314979, Fax 5322567, Email: bp.bvacc@yahoo.com
Message
It is with great joy and much hope that I join the San Carlos Seminary
community with the publication of The Sower 2013. The Year of
Faith launched by Pope Benedict XVI stimulates you to make this
yearbook a repository of your community’s journey of faith in this
school year 2012-2013. This annual articulates your experience
of the New Evangelization with its new ardor, new methods and
new expressions. Talking together and sharing with one another
about your journey of faith, you are able to encounter Jesus in the
ordinary, personal and communal activities be it in prayer, studies,
recreation and pastoral involvements. You are able to see the
vitality of the Church and the action of the Holy Spirit in ecclesial
events such as the Canonization of Saint Pedro Calungsod, the
Synod of Bishops on New Evangelization for the Transmission of
Faith, the November Consistory where the Archbishop of Manila
became Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the humility and sincerity of
Pope Benedict XVI in his retirement from the Petrine ministry.
May this Year of Faith strengthen and deepen our trust in God.
May our faith in Jesus bring to birth in us a new way of looking
at others, at the Church, at the world and at the future—a way of
looking that involves gratitude, hope and love. May the Blessed
Virgin Mary, Woman of Faith and Mother of Faith, be our guide
and inspiration. May Saint Charles Borromeo, our Patron, share
with us his great love for God and for neighbor, especially the
poor.
Trust in Jesus, the Risen Christ,
+ Most Reverend Bernardino C. Cortez
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
Office of the Rector
San Carlos Seminary
San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex, EDSA, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City
Tel. No. 8958855
Message
Greetings in the truth who is the Lord Jesus Christ!
Saint Thomas Aquinas has given us a guide in the morality of
our human actions. The end of our existence is ordered towards
the love and service of the Creator. Hence, human acts are to be
directed towards the good with the avoidance of all that is evil.
The Angelic doctor urged that on the morality of the human act
to be seriously considered is the intention, the context, the act
itself and the consequences. The human person is a being caring
of what he does always in the perspective of the service of God.
Being and acting in the human person are to be integral. The
holiness of aspiring saint needs to consider holy actions emanating
from a holy person and a holy person effortlessly expressing
himself in holy acts. Integrity and sanctity mean there is no discord
or dissension within the person.
A word on love. Authentic love is at the core of integrity. What
binds and energizes the person is the dynamic love of the Creator.
This love sustains the inner person and the love that surfaces in
each human act of kindness, generosity, justice towards others in
the community.
This hidden and interior holiness has a low of its own noticed by
the Almighty. This offering of true self makes the Trinity smile. The
oblation is pleasing and acceptable.
God bless us in the embrace of His tender grace!
Rev. Msgr. Hernando M. Coronel
Rector, San Carlos Seminary
A Diamond is considered
a very precious stone
because of the fact that diamonds
are immensely old and that
no two existing diamonds are alike.
A precious edifice, San Carlos Seminary
is truly a Diamond in Makati.
Rev. Ral Jaden C. Paguergan
>> page 8 | the sower 2013 | feature
San Carlos Seminary:
A Diamond in Makati
The Royal and Conciliar Seminary of San
Carlos, familiarly known today as San Carlos
Seminary, is now 60 years old in Makati;
and for six decades, the main building of our
311-year-old venerable seminary (founded in
1702 under the name Real Colegio Seminario
de San Clemente) had its permanent home
in Makati. Hence we can say that we have “a
Diamond in Makati.” A Diamond is considered
a very precious stone because of the fact that
diamonds are immensely old and that no two
existing diamonds are alike. But more than being
equated to a precious stone or gem, San Carlos
Seminary–a precious stone edifice in Makati, a
Diamond in Makati, is a home…
…a home prepared for by prudent and eminent
men of the period.
would house what he envisioned as the biggest
and most modern seminary in the Philippines.
Present in that momentous event were Church
dignitaries, among whom were Most Rev. Luis del
Rosario, D.D. (Bishop of Zamboanga), Most Rev.
Rufino J. Santos, D.D. (Apostolic Administrator of
Lipa), and Most Rev. Vicente Reyes, D.D. (Auxiliary
Bishop of Manila), members of the Regular and
Secular Clergy and the seminarians who would
be the future occupants of the majestic edifice.
Archbishop Reyes, however, was not able to
see the realization of his plan, since he died on
October 10, 1951.
A respected and renowned pillar of architectural
profession in the Philippines, Architect Juan F.
Nakpil, was the man who drafted the modernthree-story edifice of San Carlos Seminary. The
architectural design of the building is described
as spare and spartan because it is devoid of the
relief décor of the same genre typical of the era.
It was constructed under the able hands of Kho.
Santiago & Company and costs around onemillion pesos.
The first full-blooded Filipino to obtain the
distinction as Archbishop of Manila, Most Rev.
Gabriel M. Reyes, D.D., was the man behind the
construction of a new building for San Carlos
Seminary. He made it among the first concerns
of his administration and so, on September
27, 1951, the feast of San Vicente de Paul, he
officiated the ceremony of ground breaking and The new building loomed as one of the main
laying of the cornerstone of the building that landmarks along McArthur Avenue (later named
Highway 54 and now EDSA which
stands for Epifanio de los Santos
Avenue) which was a stone’s throw
away from the historic Guadalupe
ruins of the ancient convent which
belonged to the Augustinian Friars
in the town of San Pedro, Makati.
Years later, on February 27, 2007,
a historical marker by the Cultural
Center of the Philippines was
unveiled in this building as it was
named as an Architectural Legacy
of a Philippine National Artist The Padres Paules during that
Architect Nakpil.
year were: Fr. Fermin Campo, C.M.
(Vice-Rector), Fr. Vicente Tajadura,
Worthy of note was the fact that C.M. (Professor of Philosophy), Fr.
the Padres Paules of Mandaluyong, Jesus Ma. Cavana, C.M. (Spiritual
under the rectorship of Padre Director), Fr. Esteban Irribaren, C.M.
Maximo Juguera, C.M., helped (Prefect of Discipline), Fr. Alberto
design
the
new
seminary Roman, C.M. (Professor of Dogma),
building by giving many practical Fr. Manuel Pascual, C.M. (Professor
suggestions to Architect Nakpil of Physics), Fr. Pedro Duque, C.M.
to make it functional for seminary (Professor of Music), Fr. Andre
formation.
Jerman, C.M. (Professor of Logic),
“The seminary is called to be, in its own way, a continuation in the Church of the
apostolic community gathered about Jesus, listening to his word, proceeding
toward the Easter experience, awaiting the gift of the Spirit for the mission.
Such an identity constitutes the normative ideal which stimulates the seminary
in the many diverse forms and varied aspects which it assumes historically as
a human institution, to find a concrete realization, faithful to the Gospel values
from which it takes its inspiration and able to respond to the situations and
needs of the times” (John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis, 60).
Fr. Joseph A. Toth, C.M., and Fr. D.D. (Auxiliary Bishop of Manila).
The second floor was blessed by
Salvador Hernandez, C.M.
Most Rev. Mariano Madriaga, D.D.
…a home blessed and inaugurated (Bishop of Lingayen) with Most
on January 24, 1953.
Rev. Alejandro Olalia, D.D. (Bishop
The sanguine expectation for the of Tuguegarao). The third floor
inauguration day commenced at was blessed by Msgr. Alejandro
nine o’clock in the morning upon Lindayag (Parish Priest of Caloocan)
the arrival of Most Rev. Egidio with Msgr. Guillermo Mendoza
Vagnozzi, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to (Parish Priest of Pandacan). Lastly,
the Philippines. Thirty minutes later, the basement was blessed by Fr.
Thomas Norman Cardinal Gilroy, Zacarias Subiñas, C.M., Provincial of
the Archbishop of Sydney and Papal the Vicentian Fathers, assisted by Fr.
Legate to the First Plenary Council Estanislao Arana, C.M.
of the Philippines, presided over Since then, January 24 marked a
the blessing of the new San Carlos significant day for all who have
Seminary building.
considered the building of San
Cardinal Gilroy blessed the lobby Carlos Seminary as a home. Years
and the chapel of the seminary, have passed and every generation of
assisted by Msgr. Vicente Fernandez the SCS community have had their
(Parish Priest of Quiapo) and Msgr. thanksgiving for this momentous
Narciso Gatpayad (Parish Priest of event as they commemorated
Binondo). The ground floor was the 10th year anniversary in 1963,
blessed by the new Archbishop of then the 40th anniversary in 1993,
Manila, Most Rev. Rufino J. Santos, followed by the 50th anniversary
D.D. with Most Rev. Vicente Reyes, in 2003, and now 2013, the 60th
anniversary of their beloved home
in Makati.
…a home providently cared for by
the Cardinal-Archbishops of Manila.
His Eminence Rufino Jiao Cardinal
Santos succeeded Archbishop
Reyes in the administration of
the Archdiocese of Manila on
March 10, 1953. He made sure
that the magnificent seminary
building would be completed for
the graduation ceremonies of the
school year 1952-1953. One of his
first acts as Archbishop of Manila
was to merge St. Francis de Sales
Seminary of Lipa with San Carlos
Seminary of Manila in order to
have a common seminary for the
whole ecclesiastical province of
Manila. By doing so, he transferred
the administration of San Carlos
Seminary from the Vincentian
Fathers to the Belgian Scheut
Fathers (the Congregation of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary or CICM
Fathers) upon the recommendation
of the Papal Nuncio and with the with his auxiliary bishops, Most
approval of the Holy See.
Rev. Broderick Pabillo, D.D. and
Most Rev. Bernardino Cortez, D.D.,
His Eminence Jaime Lachicha he held the Pastoral Visitation
Cardinal Sin was installed as to San Carlos Seminary, Lorenzo
successor to Cardinal Santos on Mission Institute, Holy Apostles
March 19, 1974. In turn, he entrusted Senior Seminary and Redemptoris
the care of San Carlos Seminary to Mater Mission Seminary through
the custody of the diocesan clergy interviews with priest-formators,
and incessantly promoted sound seminarians and staff from the
seminary formation to respond different houses of formation.
to the growing needs of the flock
of the archdiocese. He constantly His
Eminence
Luis
Antonio
articulated the great importance of Gokim Cardinal Tagle, the present
the role played by the clergy in the Archbishop of Manila, continues
archdiocese, and for his 29 years the legacy of fatherly guidance
of service as Archbishop of Manila, of his predecessors to San
his fatherly guidance for San Carlos Carlos Seminary. A distinguished
Seminary was warmly felt by giving theologian and great Dogma
the community the best resources Professor, he was very generous in
to cater a well-maintained seminary finding time in his hectic schedule
formation.
to teach Dogmatic Synthesis to
graduating Theology students.
His Eminence Gaudencio Borbon
Cardinal Rosales was appointed …a home for 41 Missionaries of
by Pope John Paul II as successor the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis
to the See of Manila on September Mariae (CICM).
15, 2003. It was he who initiated
the first-ever Pastoral Visitation Four among the pioneering CICM
to the Archdiocesan Seminaries formators became in-charge of
of Manila. For five days, from the seminary’s highest post in the
February 16 to 20, 2009, together course of their administration:
Msgr. Joseph Billiet, CICM, was the
>> page 10 | the sower 2013 | feature
Francis Roi A. Madarang
Theology Building at 25 Years
The building of San Carlos Graduate School of Theology marked its 25th
anniversary. It was blessed and inaugurated on June 29, 1987. Years passed
and the building has created its own history and legacy. To celebrate the silver
anniversary of the building, the theologians made preparations for this gracefilled event. During the summer vacation, through the initiative of Fr. Carlo
Magno Marcelo, Director of the Theology Department, the rooms within the
building were all repainted. Fr. Marcelo also encouraged seminarians to be part
of this momentous celebration. He asked each to choose a photo to be placed
on the wall of each room. Moreover, last June 29 new crosses were blessed to
symbolize the Silver Jubilee of the Theology building. The crosses and pictures
will serve as a reminder to future occupants of the rooms about the significant
event of celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Theology building.
Indeed, the preparations of the theology department seemed so minimal for
a celebration like this but Fr. Marcelo stressed that what is important is the
history and legacy that the building offers to seminarians. This building is an
existing witness to the lives of many seminarians and priests, therefore it is but
fitting to celebrate this wonderful event.
Alongside with these four giants were thirtyseven confreres who were outstanding in their
own field of expertise. These men have given
invaluable contributions in the development of
San Carlos Seminary in Makati. They shared in
the task of forming young men to the priesthood
by serving as Professors and Administrators of
SCS. Aside from that, they also have shared
themselves as good Spiritual Directors and holy
Confessors. The lives of these 41 Missionaries
of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart
of Mary or Belgian Scheut Fathers of San Carlos
Seminary are living testimonies of the meaning
of a missionary Christian in the world who is at
the service of seminary formation.
…a home of Filipino Diocesan Rectors and
Formators.
unbroken chain of the succession of Rectorship
in San Carlos Seminary constitutes the vital link
and unwavering tradition from the past till the
present generation of the community.
The first Filipino Rector was Most Rev. Oscar V.
Cruz, D.D., who served from 1973 to 1978; the
second Filipino Rector was Most Rev. Protacio G.
Gungon, D.D., who served from 1978 to 1980; the
third Filipino Rector was Gaudencio B. Cardinal
Rosales, who served from 1980 to 1982; the
fourth Filipino Rector was Most Rev. Ramon C.
Arguelles, D.D., who served from 1982 to 1986;
the fifth and eighth Filipino Rector was Most Rev.
Francisco M. de Leon, D.D., who served twice
as Rector at different times, from 1986 to 1991
and from 1998 to 2001; the sixth Filipino Rector
was Most Rev. Crisostomo A. Yalung, D.D., who
served from 1991 to 1994; the seventh Filipino
Rector was Msgr. Allen C. Aganon, P.C., who was
installed on June 5, 1994 and ended his term in
1998; the ninth Filipino Rector was Msgr. JesusRomulo C. Rañada, P.C., who served from 2001
to 2002; the tenth Filipino Rector was Fr. Edwin
E. Mercado, who served from 2002 to 2008; and
the eleventh successor of the unbroken chain of
Filipino Rectors is Msgr. Hernando M. Coronel,
P.C. who serves as Rector hitherto.
These priests were the spearheads of
These men dedicated themselves to the task of collaboration and the leaders of teamwork
forming future priests for the Archdiocese of among the Formation Team of the seminary
Manila and other dioceses in the Philippines. The
Dr. Luciano P.R. Santiago
300th Death anniversary of
Archbishop Camacho
Founder of the Real Colegio Seminario de San Clemente (precursor of San
Carlos Seminary) and Founding Father of the Filipino Diocesan Clergy, Filipino
Catholics, both priests and laypersons, commemorate with joy the third
centenary of the death of Archbishop Diego Camacho y Ávila of Manila (16521712). If there were native priests ordained in the 17th century, it seemed
quite clear that there were only one or two isolated cases. It was rather at the
close of the 17th century that the Filipino diocesan clergy was belatedly but
enthusiastically launched by Archbishop Camacho. And once launched there
was no stemming the flow of the Filipino spirit heeding the Divine Call no
matter the barriers. Hence, Camacho was more than just the ardent harbinger of
the native clergy as originally conceived by earlier historians. He was, in fact, its
heroic founder. Heroic, because in the face of intense prejudice and opposition
in his time, he still persisted almost single-handedly (even anticipating the royal
order to that effect by seven years) in building its foundations not for an age
but for all time. For his singleness of purpose, his name should be especially
enshrined in the history of the Philippine church. From the Filipino viewpoint, he
was one of the greatest Spanish archbishops of Manila. It is significant that he
was as misunderstood as the brown priests he ordained.
>> page 11 | the sower 2013 | feature
first CICM Rector who served from 1953 to 1964;
Fr. Gerard Linssen, CICM, was the second CICM
Rector who served from 1964 to 1967; Fr. Albert
H. Meersschaert, CICM was the third CICM
Rector who served from 1967 to 1972 and hailed
as the pillar of Liturgy and Pontifical service in
the seminary; and Fr. Leo T. Vandromme, CICM
was the last CICM Rector who served from
1972 to 1973 and was acclaimed as the pillar of
Dogmatic Theology in the seminary.
since the administration and formation was
passed on to the shoulders of Filipino Diocesan
Priests in 1973.
…a home graced by the visit of great personalities
in the world.
Two of the modern-day beatified persons of
the Holy Mother Church visited the seminary:
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta and Bl. John Paul the
Great (January 15, 1995). The seminary was also
honored by the visit of other church dignitaries:
Most Rev. Gian Vincenzo Moreni, the Apostolic
Nuncio to the Philippines who celebrated the
Mass for the 40th anniversary of San Carlos
Seminary in Makati (January 25, 1993) and for the
PCP II (August 1, 1996); Walter Cardinal Kasper, as
Bishop of Stuttgart-Rottenberg, Germany (April
15, 1993) and as Head of the Pontifical Council
for Promoting Christian Unity (February 7, 2007);
Alfonso Lopez Cardinal Trujillo, President of the
Pontifical Council for the Family (July 3, 1993);
Most Rev. John P. Foley, D.D., President of the
Pontifical Council for Communications (January
26, 1994); Eduardo Francisco Cardinal Pironio,
President of the Pontifical Council for the
Laity (October 11, 1995); and Anthony Joseph
Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelpia
and the Papal representative to the 5th National
Eucharistic Congress (January 24, 1997).
Other recent dignitaries who visited SCS in
Makati were: Francis Cardinal Arinze, President
>> page 12 | the sower 2013 | feature
Norman Trambulo
SETA Celebrates 35 Years
In the light of faith the Seminaryo Tahanan ng San Carlos Association or SETA
celebrates its 35th foundation anniversary in San Carlos Seminary. Celebrating
this remarkable year of existence, seminarians, parents, priest formators gather
for the SETA Assembly. These General Assemblies give opportunities for its
members to know more each other. They are also events when SETA members
elect officers. Parents unite in one goal: to support and to pray for seminarians
to respond generously to the call of God to become fishers of men. These
provide a venue for parents to know and bond with other parents, truly an
opportunity to talk and share thoughts, friendship, and stories. The theme
“Ika-35 Taon bilang isang Pamilya, Pinagbuklod ng Iisang Pananampalataya”
embodies the response of parents to the challenge of the Spirit of the year of
faith which Pope Benedict XVI emphasized. The year of faith opens the door
for parents to take part in the formation of seminarians to become priests
patterned to Christ who is the Good Shepherd, a servant leader and a teacher.
The celebration of family day this year hosted some activities like a Fun Run
and team building activities. The activities made room for parents to enjoy the
event and fill the environment with trust and unity. Indeed, SETA gatherings
foster unity and provide a venue to nurture the vocation planted in the family
through the grace of the Triune God.
…a home of events that mattered in the history
of the Philippine Church.
San Carlos Seminary was privileged to have
hosted the following events: the National
Consultation on Seminaries for the revision
of the 1980 Philippine Program for Priestly
Formation (April 24-28, 1995); the Federation
of Asian Bishops’ Conference (1995); the
Second Provincial Council of Manila or PCM II
(August 1-15, 1996); the Institute for Seminary
Formators of 69 Seminaries in the Philippines
(October 20-27, 2004); the Regional Meeting for
Seminary Formators of 40 Seminaries in Luzon
(November 21, 2006); and the Second National
Rural Congress (July 7-8, 2008).
…a home for all Carlistas.
Carlista is a coined term for all priest and lay
alumni of San Carlos Seminary who are marked
in honor of the titular patron of the seminary,
San Carlos Borromeo. How can the legacy of San
Carlos Seminary be determined? In no better
way but by the sons this seminary produces as
men worthy of the cloth.
Thirty-seven Carlistas are recorded as members
of the Philippine Church hierarchy and twentytwo of them have stayed in the 60-year-old
building of San Carlos Seminary for their
formation and studies. Leading the roster of
alumni bishops is His Eminence Ricardo J.
Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cebu
who stayed in San Carlos Seminary from 1952
to 1956 for his Theology. There are also three
Archbishops: Lipa Archbishop, Most Rev.
Ramon C. Arguelles (philosophy and theology,
1963-1969); Nueva Caceres Archbishop, Most
Rev. Rolando J. Tria-Tirona, O.C.D., D.D. (extern
student, 1968-1969); and Lingayen-Dagupan
Archbishop, Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D.
(philosophy and theology, 1977-1985).
Fifteen alumni bishops also spent their years of
formation in the SCS building: Antipolo Bishop,
Most Rev. Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D. (minor to
theology, 1953-1966); Novaliches Bishop, Most
Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, D.D. (minor to theology,
1952-1965); Manila Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus,
Most Rev. Teodoro J. Buhain, D.D. (philosophy and
theology, 1954-1960); Pasig Bishop-Emeritus,
Most Rev. Francisco C. San Diego, D.D. (minor
to theology, 1954-1963); Kalookan BishopEmeritus, Most Rev. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, D.D.
(minor to theology, 1953-1963); Dipolog Bishop,
Most Rev. Jose R. Manguiran, D.D. (theology,
1962-1966); Baguio Bishop, Most Rev. Carlito
J. Cenzon, CICM, D.D. (theology, 1962-1965);
Ral Jaden C. Paguergan
80th Alumni Homecoming
It was in 1932 when Rev. Msgr. Francisco DJ. Avendaño, then a fourth year
theologian at Seminario de San Carlos, initiated the foundation of the San Carlos
Seminary Alumni Association (SCSAA). With the cooperation of his classmates
and the approval of their Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Emilio Notario, CM, he sent
personalized invitations to the alumni requesting them to celebrate together the
feast of St. Charles Borromeo on November 4 of that year. Many alumni attended
the occasion. When the proposal for San Carlos Seminary Alumni Association
(SCSAA) was presented, it was unanimously approved by all priests present. Two
objectives were set forth for San Carlos Seminary Alumni Association (SCSAA),
namely, to develop and maintain solidarity among SCS alumni and to provide
the means of contact between the alumni and the seminary. The following year
saw the election of the first officers for the SCSAA Board. The alumni of San
Carlos Seminary have been returning to their alma mater since 1932 to cherish
old memories and to strengthen each other as brothers in the priesthood.
Hitherto, the San Carlos Seminary Alumni Association has successfully brought
together alumni priests to the annual event.
The 80th Alumni Homecoming was held last November 5-6, 2012 with the
theme: “Karlista: Men of Faith, Men of Mission.” This year’s celebration of the
80th of the Alumni Homecoming is truly a celebration of faith.
>> page 13 | the sower 2013 | feature
of the Pontifical Commission on Interreligious
Dialogue (November 22, 2001 and 2010), and
Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the
Congregation of Catholic Education and Papal
Legate to the Quadricentennial Anniversary of
the University of Santo Tomas (January 27, 2011).
Antipolo Bishop-Emeritus, Most Rev. Crisostomo
A. Yalung, D.D. (philosophy to theology, 19721979); Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Princesa, Most
Rev. Pedro D. Arigo, D.D. (philosophy to theology,
1955-1963); Tandag Bishop, Most Rev. Nereo P.
Odchimar, D.D. (theology, 1960-1964); Bishop of
Jingxian, Hebei, China, Most Rev. Peter Xin Mao
Feng, D.D. (extern student); Iba Bishop, Most
Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. (philosophy and
theology, 1977-1985); Manila Auxiliary Bishop,
Most Rev. Bernardino C. Cortez, D.D. (philosophy
and theology, 1965-1971); San Jose de Nueva
Ecija Bishop, Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D.
(philosophy and theology, 1974-1982); Antipolo
Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon,
D.D. (philosophy and theology, 1964-1975); and
Balanga Bishop, Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos,
D.D. (philosophy and theology, 1965-1983).
Carlos Seminary is a witness to the milestones of
the yearly alumni homecoming as it celebrated
its Silver Alumni Homecoming in 1957, then its
Golden Alumni Homecoming in 1982, followed
by its Diamond Alumni Homecoming in 2007
and to date, the 80th Alumni Homecoming of
Carlistas.
Today, the building of San Carlos Seminary in
Makati, constructed 60 years ago stands as
a living memento of a solid and fertile past,
a witness celebrating a dynamic and vibrant
present and a cradle embracing a bright
and splendid future. It is a Diamond for all
generations of Carlistas, a Diamond which for
them is always a home–a Diamond in Makati.
Above all, numerous men who were raised to
the dignity of the priesthood upon ordination
and formed as men of prayer, men of mission,
men of witness, agents of renewal, mystagogues
(keepers of God’s mysteries), servant-leaders,
and pastoral theologians. They were brought
together annually by the homecoming held in
their home. The 60-year-old building of San
>> page 14 | the sower 2013 | feature
Bon A. Navarro
SCS Information: Forming SCS
Community for 20 Years
Since its first issue in 1992, the SCS Information has continued its legacy
of making chronicles and important events inside the seminary during the
course of a school year. Indeed, it is a news bulletin that is both informative
and reflective as a medium of communicating the integral formation in the
seminary. Moreover, as the school organ of San Carlos Seminary, it serves as
the testament to the vision of the Archdiocese of Manila, which is to build a
community of persons rooted in faith in the Trinity. It is truly a work of love for
its members, the staff and editors, in pursuing a common goal. The purpose
of this publication is not only to come up with a finished product expressed in
insightful and creative writing but also to build unity among the staff and of
course the whole seminary community.
For 20 years and counting, the SCS Information has a very significant role in SCS
formation. For 20 years, it has made each member and even those outside the
seminary aware of the current events of SCS and the relevant things behind
them. Indeed, it continues its great legacy of keeping the seminary’s identity
and preserving her history. The SCS Info will always contribute to the seminary
in journeying together as a community. Long live the SCS Information!
Renovations and improvements were made
to the old building in its 60th year. Photos
at the opposite page (Clockwise from top):
[a] San Carlos Seminary Main Building
Facade repainted last October 2012; [b] San
Carlos Seminary Main Chapel, dome was
repainted and lighting installed last October
2012; [c] Chapel windows were decorated
with stained glass; [d] new bell was donated
to San Carlos Seminary, this is now installed
at the SCS Main Lobby; [e] Chapel doors
opening to the lighted cross and sanctuary.
Rev. Fr. Rolando P. Garcia, Jr.
Loving the Church
A Priest’s Reflection on his fruitful and faithful years in the ministry
>> page 16 | the sower 2013 | feature
Twelve years ago, for the closing Mass of
our Thirty-day Retreat, we were asked by the
facilitator to compose a “Commitment Prayer”,
something that will summarize all our reflections
and will also serve as a supplication to God so
that the resolutions made during the monthlong Ignatian experience may be realized and
sustained.
of service in which You are calling me, continue to
give me the grace of love for the Mother Church,
the community that you will entrust to my care.
May everything that I do be animated by this love
for the people you have chosen” (The prayer was
written in Tagalog, this is an English Translation).
Twelve years after that spiritual journey and ten
years after my ordination to the priesthood, I
I still know my “Commitment Prayer” by heart. am certain that God has listened to my plea. For
I have never stopped praying it everyday since at this point in my life I can truly say, I love the
March 12, 2000. That prayer actually defined Church.
the past twelve years of my life. It continues to
I can totally relate to what the Archbishop of
define my priesthood.
New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, once told a
I celebrated my Tenth Anniversary as a priest last newly ordained priest: “You are so reconfigured
September 28, 2012. Pondering upon what had to Jesus that - get this - He shares his wife with
happened a decade after Bishop Soc Villegas you! Like Jesus, you love and shepherd and lead
ordained me, I am convinced that God took my His bride, the Church. As a priest you will teach
those who call you “Father” the timeless wisdom
“Commitment Prayer” seriously.
that we as a family have learned in the days of
It is a personal prayer. Forgive me then for not Abraham through Jesus, His apostles and the
writing it down in its entirety. Nonetheless, I saints. As a priest, you will rely on the Church of
wish to share an excerpt. It is the part that struck the love that her spouse Jesus has for her”.
me the most as I was looking back to the first
ten years of my ministry as a priest. It is a heroic I love the Church. I love her because she was
petition expected from someone who has just the first to love me. She initiated me to divine
finished an intense pious exercise: “As to the life life with baptism. She raised me in faith in the
Fr. Joselito L. Buenafe
10 Years in the Priesthood
Fr. Jojo was born on May 1, 1974. He entered San Carlos Seminary in 1992 and
was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Manila in September 28, 2002. He
was then assigned to San Carlos Seminary as Spiritual Director and has been
teaching subjects in Moral Theology at the Graduate School since 2005.
Fr. Rolando P. Garcia, Jr.
10 Years in the Priesthood
Fr. Rolly was born on April 6, 1976. He entered the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor
Seminary in 1989 and then moved to San Carlos Seminary in 1993. He was ordained priest
for the Archdiocese of Manila in September 28, 2002. He was assigned to San Carlos
Seminary as Spiritual Director in 2007. He teaches biblical languages and scriptures at the
Graduate School and works as Assistant Secretary at the Apostolic Nunciature.
Fr. Yulito Q. Ignacio
25 Years in the Priesthood
Fr. Itoy was born on January 4, 1962. He entered the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor
Seminary in 1975 and then moved to San Carlos Seminary in 1978. He was ordained
priest for the Archdiocese of Manila in September 19, 1987. He was assigned to San
Carlos Seminary as Spiritual Director.
“The priestly vocation is essentially a call to sanctity, in
the form that derives from the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Sanctity is intimacy with God; it is the imitation of Christ,
poor, chaste and humble; it is unreserved love for souls and
self-giving to their true good; it is love for the church which
is holy and wants us to be holy, because such is the mission
that Christ has entrusted to it.”
Blessed John Paul II
>> page 18 | the sower 2013 | feature
school of the Word of God and nourished me
with the Bread of Life. I love her with immense
gratitude thinking of the many times she
forgave me of my sins with the sacrament of
reconciliation, thanking her for the grace of
priestly vocation which she recognized and
sustained with profound love.
I studied abroad to be a professor; yet I find
myself working in an office. Then again, didn’t
I ask God to let me fall in love with the Church?
So I hold on to what Cardinal Lolo Dency Rosales
reminded me about the job; it is an important
contribution of the Archdiocese of Manila to the
Holy See. I love the Church. So be it.
It is not always easy to love her. I know of people,
some of them close to me, who have been
deeply hurt by the Church. She is expected to
have imperfections for she is made up of weak
people, myself included. But as God continues
to see the beauty of her bride despite her
“wrinkles” and “blemishes”, I make every effort
to understand the Church for what she is. I listen
to her and follow her even at times I feel she
does not comprehend the reality many of us
are living. I believe that she speaks and acts on
behalf of the Lord. My love of the Church flows
from my love for God.
The Church is my neighbor. A neighbor is
someone God puts beside us. For the past ten
years I have always lived in communities of
priests - Collegio Filippino, San Carlos Seminary,
and the Nunciature. My brother priests are my
neighbors.
The opportunity given me to work at the
Apostolic Nunciature in Manila is a surprise,
something I never expected. I must admit to
have struggled to say “yes” to it. It is a special
apostolate, far from what the seminary prepared
me to do. I was formed to be a parish priest;
internship program of the Archdiocese. Most of
my batchmates are already seasoned pastors
with laudable achievements in their respective
parish communities. I am happy for them. It is
not God’s will for me at the moment to take
on that kind of pastoral work. He needs me
The present group of seminary fathers are
coming from different backgrounds, bearing
different temperaments, and exhibiting different
attitudes. But we are all priests and the priesthood
is the common gift we share. It is the same gift
that allows me to see beyond the differences
and appreciate each one’s uniqueness. I love the
Appreciating the universality Church is one of Church. I love my brother priests. They too are
the blessings of my priesthood, having lived an answer to my prayer.
and studied in Rome for almost four years. A
memorable experience was witnessing the The seminarians are the Church. God placed
funeral of Blessed John Paul II and the election them at my side. As I grow in my ministry as a
of Pope Benedict XVI in person. I was there. I formator, I become more certain that the boys
saw how the Citta eterna welcomed millions I guide and teach, whether they become priests
of Catholic pilgrims from all over the world to or not, will play an important role in the future
witness this once in a lifetime event. It was sad of many Christian communities. Dedicating my
to say goodbye to JP2. It was thrilling to behold life for them is also caring for the Church. If only
the inauguration of B16. What a grace! God did I could make them fall in love with her too!
hear my prayer and gave me a reason to love I never worked in a parish. My only experience
the Church all the more.
of parish life is the eight months I spent in the
to be where I am right now. I still
dream of being in a parish though.
I cannot help it. I was formed to be
one. But even this” dying to self”
is an expression of my love for
the Church. Something I started
praying for twelve years ago.
A special gift of God to me, at
this point of my priestly being,
is getting to know the Focolare
Movement of Chiara Lubich.
Being engaged in a community of
laypersons and priests, consciously
living the spirituality of unity, helps
me love the Church with added
fervor. They made me realize that
even though I did not get married,
it does not mean I have renounced
having a family. I may not have a
natural family, but I belong to a
supernatural family that is much
bigger and includes everyone. The
Church is my family. A family that
strives to be as God wants it to be:
living according to the image of the
Trinity where the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit are one in love.
The Church radiates the beauty of
the Blessed Mother. Mary is her
icon and model, according to the
Second Vatican Council. If such is
the case, who wouldn’t fall in love
with the Church! My priesthood is
filled with grace because of Mary.
Just as the Lord entrusted his
Mother to the Beloved Disciple at
the foot of the Cross, Mary is the
best help that Jesus has given me
in my service to the Church. I will
never hesitate taking Mary into my
heart. In the Blessed Mother, after
all, a priest finds a home.
I am a ten-year-old priest. Not
that young. Not that old. I do not
know what God has in store for me
and that makes life exciting! I have
given my life for the Church, and
she has never ceased to love me. I
move forward with faith, confident
that God does heed prayers, even
those made twelve years ago.
for ma tor s
>> page 20 | the sower 2013 | community
His Eminence
LUIS ANTONIO G. CARDINAL TAGLE, DD
Archbishop of Manila
Most Reverend
BERNARDINO C. CORTEZ, DD
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
Most Reverend
BRODERICK S. PABILLO, SDB, DD
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
MSGR. HERNANDO M. CORONEL
Rector
FR. CARLO MAGNO S. MARCELO
Dean of Seminarians
Theology Department
FR. REY ANTHONY I. YATCO
Dean of Seminarians
Philosophy Department
FR. JOSE FRANCISCO C. SYQUIA
Dean of Seminarians
Formation Year
FR. RAMON U. MERINO
Procurator
FR. LORENZ MOISES J. FESTIN
Dean of Studies
Philosophy Department
FR. JOSE JOEL O. JASON
Dean of Studies
Theology Department
FR. JOSELITO R. MARTIN
Director
Pastoral-Spiritual Integration Year
FR. ALBERT CECILIO A. FLORES
Spiritual Director
Philosophy Department
FR. YULITO Q. IGNACIO
Spiritual Director
Philosophy Department
FR. CELESTINO V. PASCUAL
Spiritual Director
Philosophy Department
SR. IRENE REYES, MCST
Kitchen Supervisor
FR. ROLANDO P. GARCIA JR.
Spiritual Director
Philosophy Department
fo rm a to r s
MSGR. ALLEN C. AGANON
Spiritual Director
Theology Department
>> page 21 | the sower 2013 | community
FR. JOSELITO L. BUENAFE
Spiritual Director
Theology Department
ph ilosop h y p r ofe ssor s
>> page 22 | the sower 2013 | community
Mrs. Sandra Abad-Santos,
BSBA
SRA 1 & 2
MRS. MARIBEL MIGUEL-ARARAO,
BM, MA
Music Theory,
Solfeggio & Voice Training (FY)
Mr. Celso Cainglet,
MA Applied Ethics, Ph.D. Units
History of Ancient Philosophy,
History of Medieval Philosophy,
Philosophy of Science
Mrs. Marifel Castriciones
BS Foreign Studies, MA Units in Theology
Basic Faith Catechism 1 (FY)
Mr. Rodrigo Corpuz,
AB Philosophy
Physical Education 1, 2, 3 & 4
Mr. Arsenio P. Crisostomo,
BM
Music Appreciation 1 & 2
Mrs. Nanette G. Dungo,
Ph.D. in Sociology
Economics, Taxation &
Agrarian Reform, Society & Culture
with Family Planning
Mrs. Narita T. Ellar,
MA
General Psychology
Mrs. Nenita O. Escasa,
MA in English Literature
Study & Thinking Skills in English,
English 2 & 4
Mrs. Linda Fabula,
BSEd, MS in Mathematics
Elementary Statistics,
College Algebra & Trigonometry
Mr. Prem Jesus Jesswani,
BS Humanities, MBA
Philippine History, Rizal
Mr. Edwin Argeo Lopez,
MPS, MBA, MIM, Ph.D. Units
Mass Media & the
Social Apostolate of the Church
Mrs. lmelda M. Manalo,
BSEd Major in Spanish
Elementary & Intermediate Spanish
Mrs. Brenilda Medina,
BSEd, MA in Linguistics
English Grammar (FY),
Philippine Literature, World Literature
Mrs. Tanya P. Namit,
BS Tourism, MA Units in Literature
Study & Thinking Skills in English,
Writing in the Discipline
Mr. Noel Noble,
Ph.D.
Earth & Universe
Mrs. Carmen C. Padiernos,
BSEd, MAEd, Ph.D. Units
Retorika, Pagbasa at Pagsulat
sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina
Mr. Antonio Pagsibigan Sr.,
AB, LLB
Politics & Governance
with Constitution
Ms. Blandina Panelo,
Ph.D. in Business Administration
Education Methodology
Mrs. Leticia Syquia,
BS
Reading & Comprehension 1 (FY),
Values 2 (FY)
Mrs. Lelia M. Vital
BSEd, MA Units in Education
Sining ng Pakikipagtalastasan
Bro. Reynaldo E. Yago,
BS Zoology, Med with Ph.D. Units
Botany, Zoology
Fr. Maxell Lowell C. Aranilla,
Ph.D.
Philosophy of Being, Philosophy of
Education, Philosophy of Knowledge,
Philosophy of God
Fr. Joselito L. Buenafe,
MA, STL
Basic Faith Catechism 2 (FY)
Fr. Luis David, SJ,
Ph.D.
History of Renaissance &
Modern Philosophy, History of
Contemporary Philosophy
Fr. Generoso Geronimo
AB, MA Cand.
Social Psychology
Fr. Carlo Magno S. Marcelo
Music 1 (FY)
Fr. Ramon U. Merino,
MA
Vocation & Discernment (FY),
Challenges of the
Philippine Church Today (FY)
Fr. Celestino V. Pascual,
STL
Latin 1, Latin 2
Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia,
MA, STL
Seminary Formation &
Humanities Workshop (FY),
Seminary Formation 2 (FY)
Fr. Rey Anthony Yatco
AB, MA Cand.
Sacred Scripture & Liturgy 1 (FY),
Salvation History, Catholic Faith
Catechism, Hagiography (FY)
Fr. Jose Vidamor B. Yu, LRMS,
MA, D.Miss.
Philosophy of Religion,
Oriental Philosophy 1 & 2
Fr. Carlo Magno S. Marcelo
Optimi Choir Director
Mrs. Clarinda “Bebot” Gadia
Violin, Piano, Viola
Fr. Yulito Q. Ignacio,
STL
Fundamentals of Catechetics,
Social Doctrine of the Church
Fr. Jason H. Laguerta,
MA, Ph.D.
Literacy Training Service
Fr. Isidro Diaz Puyat,
Ph.L.
Humanities (FY), Logic 1, Logic 2
Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr.,
MA
Church History (FY)
Mrs. Maribel Miguel-Ararao
Piano, Voice
Mr. Edwin Capistrano
Flute, Saxophone
Mrs. Vicky Chang
Cello
Mr. Merland Mariano
Guitar, Drums
Mrs. Elvira Rivera
Violin
SCS
music
library
Teachers
Mr. Arsenio Crisostomo
Piano
p hi l o s o ph y p r o f e ssor s
Fr. Albert Flores,
STB, LHE
Latin (FY), Latin 1, Latin 2
>> page 23 | the sower 2013 | community
Fr. Lorenz Moises J. Festin,
Ph.D.
Thesis Writing/Seminar, Anthropology, Moral
Philosophy, Introduction to Philosophy, Special
Questions, Social Philosophy, Cosmology
t h e o log y p r ofe ssor s
>> page 24 | the sower 2013 | community
Fr. Enrico Martin Adoviso,
STB, MA in Pastoral Theology
Basic Christian Communities,
Pastoral Sociology
Fr. Gil Alinsangan, SSP,
AB Philosophy, Theology, SSL
Synoptics & Acts,
John & Catholic Epistles
Fr. Alex Amandy,
AB Philosophy, JCL, JCD
Canon Law 1
Fr. Emmanuel Cruz,
AB Philosophy, MA Theology, STL, STD
Eucharist,
Holy Orders,
Christology
Fr. Genaro o. Diwa,
AB Philosophy, SLL
Patrology
Fr. Edison Escario,
AB Classical, MA Theology, STL
Prophets, Wisdom
Fr. Lorenz Moises Festin,
AB Philosophy, Ph.L., Ph.D.
Creation & Eschatology
Fr. Albert Flores,
AB Pre-Divinity, STB, LHE
Christian Antiquity,
Medieval Church History,
Modern Church History,
Philippine Church History
Fr. Rolando Garcia Jr.,
AB Classical, MA Theology, STL
Biblical Hebrew,
Biblical Greek
Fr. Joselito Jopson,
Mr. Edwin Argeo Lopez,
Fr. Reginald Malicdem,
BECE, MA Communication Arts, SICL MPS, MBA, MIM, Ph.D. Units in Commerce AB Philosophy, MA Theology, MA Liturgy
Homiletics 3
Bible & Preaching
Worship & Sacraments,
Pastoral Liturgy
Fr. Joselito L. Buenafe,
AB Classical, MA Theology, STL
Social Ethics,
Justice & Development
Fr. Patricio Casiño, MSP,
AB Classical MA Pastoral Ministry, STL
Revelation & Faith,
Ecumenism
Fr. Joseph Xinshe Feng, LRMS,
Fr. James Ferry, MM,
BS Mechanical Engineering, MA, STL AB Philosophy, MA in Religious Education
Statistical Methods
Sacramental Theology
Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB,
BS Industrial Ed., STB, STL, STD
Grace
Fr. Joel O. Jason,
AB Classical, MA Theology, STL
Sexuality & Integrity,
Special Moral Questions,
Fundamental Moral Theology,
Issues in Ethics
Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo
AB Philosophy
Preaching & Cultural Dynamics
Fr. Ramil Marcos,
AB Classical, MA Theology, STL
Triune God,
Ecclesiology
Fr. Nolan Que,
AB Classical, MA Theology, Ph.D.
Pastoral Psychology
Msgr. Bartolome Santos,
AB Classical, STB, STL
Hermeneutics
His Eminence
Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle,
AB Philosophy, MA Psychology, STL
AB Philosophy, STL, STD
Historical Development of Spirituality,
Dogmatic Synthesis
Pastoral Counseling
Msgr. Sabino Vengco Jr.,
AB, MA, Diploma in Liturgy, STD
Matrimony, Mariology
Fr. Rey Anthony Yatco
AB Classical, MA Cand. in Theology
Homiletics 4
Msgr. Geronimo Reyes,
AB Philosophy, STB, JCD
Canon Law 2
Fr. Wilmer Rosario,
AB Classical, MA Theology, JCD
Introduction to Canon Law
Fr. Gerardo Tapiador,
AB, SSL
Paul,
Biblical Theology
Msgr. Andres Valera,
AB Pre-Divinity, MA, STB, SLL
Liturgical Year & Liturgy of the Hours,
Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick
Fr. Jose Vidamor Yu, LRMS,
AB Classical, MA, STL, D.Miss.
Introduction to Missiology,
Missiology,
Research Methods,
Theology of Mission
Rev. Fr. Gerardo Giovanni Ramoso Tapiador
(March 28, 1958 – February 27, 2013)
Fr. Gerry was born in Rome, Italy. He graduated at San Carlos Seminary (Batch 1981) and was sent to Rome and Jerusalem
for further biblical studies. He was the first Filipino to deliver a valedictory speech in Hebrew at the Hebrew University in
Jerusalem. In 1985, he obtQained his licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (SSL) at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. He
received the Outstanding Catholic Author award in 1991, the youngest to be awarded by the Asian Catholic Publishers,
Inc. He was formerly the Dean of the San Carlos Graduate School of Theology (1987-1989) and a long-time member of
the Faculty teaching Pauline Theology and Biblical Theology. He was awarded the Outstanding Karlista Award by the San
Carlos Seminary Alumni Association in 2004.
As part of the newly-created diocese of Novaliches in 2003, he has served as Vicar General for Administration and Director of the Biblical
Apostolate. He established St. Peter Parish along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City in 1993 which in 2002 became the National Catholic
Biblical Center of the Philippines.
A devoted lover and servant of the Word of God, Fr. Gerry served as Regional Director of the National Capital Region for the Episcopal Commission
on the Biblical Apostolate in the Philippines. He is also an active member of the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) whose Bible Museum at its
Headquarters in U.N. Avenue, Manila is embellished by his contributions. He has also published several materials to aid people in appreciating
and studying the Word of God; they include among others The Mysterious Seed: A Simplified Manual on the Tools and the Principles of Interpreting
the Bible (1993), The Roman Catholic Faith and the Bible, Hark the Herald: How the Bible Tells Us When Jesus Was Born (2005).
th e o l o g y p r o f essor s
Fr. Edwin Mercado,
BSBA, STL
Eschatology
>> page 25 | the sower 2013 | community
Fr. Joselito R. Martin
AB Philosophy, MA Cand. in Theology
Pastoral Management
se mi na r y p e r sonne l
>> page 26 | the sower 2013 | community
AMPARO Pilapil ABAD
General Utility
GENEROSO LOREZO BENEDICTO JR.
Refectorian
AIDA Noromor AGUILLON
Registrar – Philosophy Department
ALFREDO Navidad BERADOR
General Utility
JESUS DAJAY AMAR
Refectorian
ARNULFO Romaraog BONGALOS
Maintenance
JOELITO VICTORIANO AMBROCIO
General Utility
RUBY ANN Endozo BROTONEL
Admission Secretary
ANITA Calagos BAYLON
Refectorian
ROMULO NARIO CALDA
Cook
SANTIAGO Hardin ESGUERRA
Maintenance
MANUEL Paz DEL ROSARIO
Maintenance
NENELITA Malinao JAVIER
Secretary to the Rector
CAROLINA Motol DIAZ
Office Assistant
Printing Office
PEPITO Lopez LIQUIGAN
Refectorian
VIRGINIA Prongco DINGLASA
Registrar – Theology Department
ROSANNA Mahinay LUMAYAG
Laundress
s e m i n a r y per s o n ne l
DIOMEDES Serot ENERO
Driver
WENIFREDO IPOLAN DAIGON
Telephone Operator
>> page 27 | the sower 2013 | community
REINALDO ARIEL Hinahon CRUZ
Assistant Librarian
se mi na r y p e r sonne l
>> page 28 | the sower 2013 | community
SILVANA Roa LUMAYAG
Laundress
CYNTHIA Eraldo LUNA
Office Assistant
Music Library
ESTELITO Baldomero MAGANTE
Maintenance
AVELINO Luisaga MAGYAYA
Maintenance
ANTONIO Lazo MAPACPAC
Maintenance
BONIFACIO Mascardo MAYORMITA
Cook
RODEL Cinco PELINA
General Utility
MARIO Villacorte REGULADO
General Utility
LILY Balangauan RETIG
Refectorian
JOEMARIE Aquino SALAS
General Utility
JULIO Vargas VARGAS
Office Assistant
Printing Office
ARNIEL Flores VELASCO
General Utility
Rhea Q. Esteba
MASSFI - Finance
Gary P. Gaza
MASSFI - Finance
Amelia H. Magcaiyo
MASSFI - Finance
Myrna A. Tabuzo
MASSFI - Finance
DANILO ALLI
Security Guard
ROMULO CAMPOY
Security Guard
JULITO DUEÑAS
Security Guard
ERNESTO GABALES
Security Guard
PAULINO GANGANI
Security Guard
JOSE P. GARCIA
Security Guard
RODERICK MARIANO
Security Guard
ELIAS PANIERGO
Security Guard
REYNALDO PAYAS
Security Guard
ROLAND ROSAL
Security Guard
ELMER SALAVERIA
Security Guard
ROBERTO SOLIDARIOS
Security Guard
JOESERY R. TO-ONG
Security Guard
s e m i n a r y per s o n ne l
Peter Seguerra
Maintenance
>> page 29 | the sower 2013 | community
Nathaniel Almendo
MASSFI - HR
Lynch Kristoffer B. Flores
A great beginning...
The 27th of May is a significant day for
15 young men. Coming from different
walks of life we all aimed at reaching the
gates of the 60 year old Building located
in the heart of Makati City, our very own
San Carlos Seminary. Armed only with
some belongings and a bag full of faith
and trust, we have chosen to dedicate our
lives to a year of special intimacy with the
Lord as young seminarians.
Little did we know that this God Himself,
the most generous of giver, has prepared
so many surprises for the journey. The
first day was truly worth remembering.
It was the very time when we had to
bid goodbye to our families and loved
ones. We all arrived before 5:00 in
the afternoon and each one had their
ways of making the most out of their
last few minutes with their families.
The Formation Year started formally
with a Holy Mass. Here Fr. Jocis and Fr.
Mon introduced themselves to us and
explained to us briefly the life we have
chosen.
Though they repeatedly told us about
the generosity of God to those whom
He calls, still it was not enough to
extirpate the sense of uncertainty felt
almost tangibly by each one. After the
final blessing came our first dinner in the
seminary. We tried to pacify everyone by
sharing jokes and casually introducing
ourselves to one another. This was
followed by our first encounter with Fr.
Jocis. He handed us the small booklet
containing all the things necessary for the
year: the prayers, the intentions and the
aim of the department. This little booklet
became our little companion as we slowly
absorbed seminary life.
Form
D
mation Year
Department
Our first night was memorable. Some
were in bed feeling the uneasiness
and the resistance of the old man
while others were in the oratory
spending time with the Lord.
Everyone was able to wake up for
the seminary schedule the following
morning fuelled by the hope and trust
in the Divine Plan. We had our first
team building with Ms. Becky and
Ms. Itos whom we considered as our
mothers for the year. Through it, we
were able to express our sentiments
regarding the changes in our lives. We
were able to understand each other in
a brotherly way by the sharing of our
own life stories. This then paved way
to our unification and the desire to
change that acquaintance relationship
into a developing fraternal bond.
>> page 32 | the sower 2013 | story
Among the most important decision
which every class has to make
annually is the choosing of the Class
Patron Saint. After much discussion
and prayerful discernment we
unanimously agreed to choose the
Italian Stigmatist Priest, St. Padre Pio
not knowing that both our director
and prefect are devoted to this saint.
Surprisingly among the first of the
many pilgrimages was our visit to
Padre Pio Shrine in Libis, Quezon City.
>> page 33 | the sower 2013 | story
The Lord indeed prepared a wonderful
journey. We were able to encounter
Him in the different ways in the
warmth embrace of the community
during our welcome night, in the
teachers He has sent us in whom we
encounter different aspects of this life,
in the humble Shrines of the different
places we visited, in the big batteries
of Bataan and many others. Each
encounter is an enriching experience of
encountering God. Though life indeed
maybe hard, faith and hope that
enflame us to come to what we call
“home” keep us burning in our desire
to move forward.
With the celebration of the year of
Faith, truly, our journey with the Lord
has been filled with intimate moments
of encountering Him whom we do not
see and touched, yet we profess and
desire to follow. The Formation Year
has truly formed and helped us in the
different obstacles of following Him.
With the Virgin Mary beside us and the
Lord in front of us, we fear nothing.
The journey may be long this year, we
made it through this extraordinary
year. We are assured to be on the right
track.
f or ma tion y e a r
>> page 34 | the sower 2013 | community
Formation Year
SAINT PIO OF
PETRELCINA CLASS
Kier Tumamak
DELA CRUZ
Kalookan
Mandy Nialda
BALLOS
Manila
Kim Joshua Naldoza
BIBON
Manila
Paul Aries Cadiente
CORREA
Manila
Vic Kevin Olanda
FERRER
San Jose, Nueva Ecija
Lynch Kristoffer Balmes
FLORES
Manila
Idris Torres
FRANCISCO
Antipolo
Rodifel Garcia
DE LEON
Pasig
Renz Barret
DE VILLA
Novaliches
Mark Jeferson Abad
MILLET
Manila
Laurence Jasper Marcelo
MORATILLO
Antipolo
Mark Lorenz Catalig
VALENTINO
Manila
Arjon Magat
DELA CRUZ
San Fernando, Pampanga
fo rm a ti o n y e a r
>> page 35 | the sower 2013 | community
Adrian Albert Mendoza
DAVID
Manila
Kevin Joshua B. Cosme
Living the Faith
With the announcement of the Year of Faith,
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gave the Church
a marvellous opportunity to rediscover the
beauty of the Gospel message. It comes as
a challenge for all of us to live our faith in
these exciting times, appropriating the Gospel
message to the nuances of our modern
era. Let’s take a look at how the Philosophy
Department of San Carlos Seminary responded
to it during the school year 2012-2013.
June 2012 was the month of beginnings for the
community of San Carlos Seminary, being as
it was the start of another fruitful school year
in the seminary formation. A Welcoming Party
was held in honour of the new members of the
community so that they could be initiated into
the rigours of their new home. Not to say that
seminary formation is all glum and seriousness,
the program was light-hearted and memorable,
especially for the newcomers who, at one
point, all had to present their unique pickup lines. Fr. Rey Anthony Yatco, the Director
of the Philosophy Department, advised the
newcomers to “maximize your potentials”, a
message that they (hopefully) took to heart.
As tradition would have it, the school year
always starts with the Mass of the Holy Spirit at
the Lay Force Chapel. Archbishop Luis Anonio
Tagle presided the mass, which was attended
by the communities of San Carlos Seminary,
Holy Apostles Senior Seminary, and Lorenzo
Mission Institute among others. Before the
offertory, the formators and professors of the
different houses of formation professed their
faith in front of the Archbishop, vowing that
their teaching were to be of the Holy Spirit,
which was truly a good start for the year.
The Antipolo Pilgrimage is another worthwhile
tradition of the seminary. Usually held at the
start of the school year, it is a noble practice
whereby the whole community walks (or jogs,
depending on fitness) to the Cathedral of
Antipolo (Immaculate Conception Parish) that
houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of
Peace and Good Voyage. This is a significant
act, considering that our dear Mother never
fails to protect those invoking her help in their
journey of faith.
Philo
D
osophy
Department
The month of July saw the 1st SETA General Assembly and the election
of class representatives (parents) for the new school year. The Rector
of the Seminary, Msgr. Ding Coronel, presented the statistics of the
community, a truly diverse group of individuals from different places
united in the faith.
Within the days of the SETA Assembly, the second year college
seminarians (batch of Blessed John Paul II) were invested with their
cassocks. In the mass, Msgr. Coronel told the investees that their
sutanas were not mere uniforms but symbols of their “yes” to Christ.
Always a sought-after event by every second year college batch, the
Investiture was made more memorable after the seminarians were
granted a free afternoon to celebrate with their families.
>> page 38 | the sower 2013 | story
Some very memorable events came with the month of August. Which
SCS seminarian could forget taking part in the historic Prayer Rally
against the RH Bill at EDSA shrine? I’m sure everybody felt some
degree of anxiety, alertness, or involvement. Fr. Melvin Castro and the
CBCP Commission on Life organized the event and commissioned the
seminarians as marshals to keep the peace. He instructed
them of their duties the night prior to the event, challenging
them to set aside their fears because the grace of God was
at work and to fight against the culture of death. The rains
did not deter the staunch seminarians from fulfilling their
duties and from standing up for the cause of life.
On a lighter note, the Triple Encounter 2012 held at the
grounds of the University of Santo Tomas served as a day of
enjoyment and brotherhood for the three seminaries who
came together for the occasion. Themed “tweet #Christ”, the
event challenged the seminarians of San Carlos Seminary,
UST Central Seminary, and San Jose Seminary to spread the
Gospel message through modern means. The theme itself
connotes the social networking site Twitter and how the
seminarians should evangelize the web in order to leave a
digital footprint that points to Christ. The day was marked
by seminars, lots of food, bonding, and American football!
>> page 39 | the sower 2013 | story
September is the month that we
seminarians, in union with the
universal Church, celebrate the
birth of Mary. And celebrate it we
did! The Philosophy Department,
inspired by the idea of one of its
prominent seminarians, held a
“Harana Kay Maria” on the night
of September the 8th. True to the
harana tradition, each class sang
a secular song and gave a tribute
to Mama Mary, ending with
the Department singing “Salve
Regina” with hearts full of love for
the Blessed Mother.
former for the patron of the congressmen, seminarians, and
seminary and the latter for the lay faithful who were praying
gift of the priesthood. Food and peacefully and chanting to our
fireworks were indispensable.
Lady were met with drums and
loud shouting of “Ipasa! Ipasa!”
Another inter-seminary event but from the opposition. Sadly,
with more reach, the Jabuks 2012 despite the efforts of everyone
was held near the Kamay ni Hesus the Bill was still signed into a
at Lucena, Quezon Province. It was Law a few days afterwards. Only
sponsored by the Our Lady of the time will tell whether the RH Law
Most Holy Rosary Seminary and really will do good or harm to the
was attended by major seminaries community, but the Church will
from Region 4a and NCR. continue to stand by the side of
Basketball and volleyball were the life no matter what, heedless of
by-words of the day but a lot of any persecution.
other activities were available for
those who wanted a change of The sombre mood did not dampen
scenery. The short (and potentially the spirits of the seminarians,
exhausting) pilgrimage to the top however (or at least not too much).
of the Kamay ni Hesus is especially The
Departmental
Christmas
worth noting, but you just have to party a few days later was
experience the climb for yourself
in order to fully appreciate the
beautiful experience of walking
with Christ through his passion,
death, and resurrection.
October 2012 was the real start of
the Year of Faith but the San Carlos
community had already been
foreshadowing its celebration as
was already seen. Perhaps this
is also one of the months that
seminarians always anticipate
because it signals the start of the
semestral break. A useful reminder
was posted during the Sem-Ender
Program: walang bakasyon sa
bokasyon. Cliché, yes, but still Before ending the year 2012
with the month of December, the
very relevant.
seminarians were again tapped to
After the three-week break, marshal in another Prayer Power
November burst in as a month Rally against the RH Bill. This
buzzing with activities, primarily time the scene was much more
because of the celebrations of dramatic, including a procession
the San Carlos Day and the 80th to the Congress Building and a
Alumni Homecoming. Both were truly hair-raising encounter with
celebrations in every sense, the people in purple;bishops, priests,
highlighted by exchange gifts
and exotic pseudonyms. Early the
following day, the SCS community
celebrated the first Simbang Gabi
mass by the seminary driveway,
according to the yearly custom.
Hearts were warmed and stomachs
filled as a breakfast of traditional
Pinoy food was served afterwards
to everyone’s content. After that,
it was hello Christmas [break] and
goodbye 2012.
Rejuvenated, the seminarians
came back early January 2012
to prepare for a month’s worth
of new activities. The Ati-Atihan
celebration and the preparations
leading to it kept most of the
community preoccupied with
learning
choreography
and
making props. The Ati-Atihan,
a local feast in honor of the Sto.
Niño, is always an eventful day
for the Philosophy and Theology
Departments, striving year after
year to outdo each other in dance
moves among other things. The
Theology Department bagged
the top prize this year but the
Philosophy Department still put
up a good show.
Then
came
an
exclusively
“college” enterprise: the 9th
annual Philosophy Week. Each
class participated in the various
contests related to the theme
of Existentialism, a modern
philosophy that talks about the
destiny of the human person and
his situatedness in the world.
This year churned out some of
the best results from each class,
particularly in the film-making
category: “The best set of movies
in the history of the philosophy
week,” remarked Fr. Lorenz
Festin, the Dean of Studies of the
Philosophy Department. Through
a combination of talent and hard
work each class was able to pull
through with flying colours.
Atihan preparations and Philo
Week events, the Department
finally had time to unwind in the
scenic beach of Punta de Uian in
Zambales. Sunday is to a week
as “outing” is to the seminarians
of the Department. Camping
in the beach, cooking our own
food (c/o Master Chef Harvey
Bagos and co.), swimming with
the sun overhead and the sand
After contending with three underneath, building bonfires,
weeks of Midterm exams, Ati- saying prayers and celebrating
mass on the shore – the whole
experience more than made up
for all the gruelling weeks that
came before.
In contrast, February didn’t really
have that much in store compared
to the previous month. One of the
noteworthy events was the first
performance of the Philosophy
Chamber Orchestra during the
last SETA Assembly of the school
year. Some seminarians played
their respective instruments to the
songs of the recent film-hit “Les Seminarians Bong Bayaras, Kali
Miserables”, much to the delight Llamado, Marvin Pajarillaga and
of the parents in attendance.
Ral Paguergan. These times are
heart-warming events that bless
The month of March is the last the Church and uplift the vocation
stretch in the school year. It is of the undergrads and they point
a time of requirements, exams, to a time when, God-willing, they
graduations and, most notable too would be ordained for the
of all, ordinations (not summer service of God and His people.
breaks, but that depends on who
you’re asking). The SCS community The school year 2012-2013
was blessed with the presbyteral was truly filled with blessings.
ordination of Rev. Angelo Parlan Admittedly, it was a bumpy year
and the diaconal ordinations of for the Department due to some
internal problems but that is all
part of the process of growth. Faith
is a journey, an adventure that
involves falling down and getting
up along the way. It involves
growth, repentance, learning
from mistakes, and accepting the
mercy of God. It is a foretaste of
the heavenly union which all of us
will experience in His Kingdom but
we must work on it and cooperate
with His grace in order to bring it
into the here and now.
p h ilosop h y
>> page 42 | the sower 2013 | community
College 1
SAINT THOMAS
AQUINAS CLASS
JANZEN ABELLA
ALARCIO
Bangued
JOMAR JOSEPH LUMBA
ARAGONES
Cubao
JOHN VICTOR MANILA
BACLOR
Manila
JAMES REFUGIA
BALDERAS
San Fernando, La Union
VICENTE GABRIEL SAN JOSE
BAUTISTA
Antipolo
DEXTER ABANGAN
CANONICATO
Pasig
RAFAEL JUDE LUMIBAO
COLLADO
San Fernando, La Union
FROILAN VICENTE
DACUAN JR.
San Jose, Nueva Ecija
RONALDO RUGA
DIAZ
Parañaque
RODDEL FERRER
ESPALLARDO
Antipolo
ALDWIN IVAN MATIBAG
GEROLAO
Manila
EMMANUEL CASTILLO
GRAJO
Pasig
RAEMEL NIKLAUS PARCON
LEYRETANA
Parañaque
JHIONNE LAZARUS DE VILLAR
MANIAGO
Iba
MATTHEW ANTONIO RIBO
MORTEL
Novaliches
JUSTINE JOSE MARIE PAGDONSOLAN
PABALAN
Parañaque
TIMOTHY TRACY PEREZ
RETAMAR
Antipolo
GLENN JAY PEREZ
RUBIO
Antipolo
EDWARD JAYSON SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO
Manila
LEVIN GREY MOLINA
SOLANO
Bangued
MARK JOHNSON FADERES
TACLAHAN
Novaliches
CHRISTOPHER ADRIAN ROCAMORA
TALOSIG
Manila
RUSTY JOSHUA MAGALLANES
TOLEDO
Iba
JOHN ANDREW DE GALICIA
ANZANO
Antipolo
PAULO GOLPO
BARBACIAS
Antipolo
College 2
BLESSED JOHN
PAUL II CLASS
ANGELO ANDES
AJERO
Kalookan
p hi l o s o ph y
GUILERVAN IGNACIO
OMNES
Novaliches
>> page 43 | the sower 2013 | community
JOHN MARY FRANCIS MANANZAN
NUQUI
Manila
p h ilosop h y
>> page 44 | the sower 2013 | community
MARLON VILLAMOR
CASIANO JR.
Manila
KEVIN JOSHUA BENITEZ
COSME
Parañaque
JON CHRISTIAN DE LEON
CUERDO
Manila
VAN LEONARD RAMOS
DIZON
Antipolo
CRIS BAILY JARDIO
DURANGO
Antipolo
FLORO GRAMAJE
FONTANILLA JR.
Bangued
JAMES JORENZ VILIANUEVA
GANCIA
Manila
VICTOR CARLO GUIRIBA
IRENE
Novaliches
JAIME MATEO
LOPEZ JR.
Manila
JESUS MERCENE
MADRID JR.
Manila
ALEXIS MILAGROSA
MIDAY
Antipolo
JOHN PAUL CORPUZ
MIRADOR
Manila
RYANSON MALQUISTO
MURILLO
Manila
JETHRO JANSEN BAUTISTA
NATIVIDAD
Antipolo
DOMINIC ALEXANDER LEGASPI
PELIAS
Antipolo
JOSEPH MAMAWAG
QUICHO
Balanga
ORLLIE JOSE CORSINO
SANTOS
Antipolo
JERICO TITCO
TIONGSON
Antipolo
JASON OLAÑO
ALDE
Manila
ADAM GREGOR MOZO
ARELLANO
Pasig
JOHN GLENN MALICDEM
AVILA
Pasig
EDRIANNE MONTEMAYOR
BERSAMINA
Bangued
CHRISTIAN MARK JERICHO PERLAS
BRINGAS
Bangued
JOHN ALFRED BALO
CASUGA
Manila
NICOLO SALVADOR
DELA PAZ
Cubao
IAN CHRISTOPHER DE MAYO
DELA PEÑA
Antipolo
JOSE MARI CHRIS MAGANA
ECHANO
Cubao
WILFRED JOHN DOMINGO
GAMBOA
Manila
NORMAN MERAM
GANDIA
Manila
College 3
SAINT JOHN
BOSCO CLASS
p hi l o s o ph y
JOSHUA PAUL CALICA
SADERNAS
Novaliches
>> page 45 | the sower 2013 | community
MARK ANTHONY NACINO
ROS
Antipolo
p h ilosop h y
>> page 46 | the sower 2013 | community
DOMINIQUE DOARTE SIMAN
GAPAYAO
Pasig
CRIVELLI SANTOS
GISPIN
Kalookan
MARK JOSEPH BALDEVIA
GUINITARAN
San Pablo
XAVIER PAUL YU
JACOME
Manila
JOKO RHEINSEN BARBERO
PLURAD
Bangued
JOSEPH DORIA
SANTOS
Pasig
JOSE MIGUEL HERNAN CERDA
TAN
Antipolo
KURT MARION OSORIO
TESALONA
Manila
GREG ANTHONY GONZALES
TURQUEZA
Bangued
MARVIN REYES
VINUYA
Parañaque
“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit
rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the
human heart a desire to know the truth--in a word, to know
himself--so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women
may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.”
Blessed John Paul II, Fides et Ratio
p hi l o s o ph y
College 3
>> page 47 | the sower 2013 | community
College 1
College 2
2013
Graduates
Saint Augustine of Hippo Class
Karlo Marko D. Valladores
Thanksgiving Address
Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. Ipagpatawad nyo po kung halos walang direksyon
ang aking magiging pagbabahagi. Ganoon po talaga yata kapag puno ng emosyon.
Siguro po nagtataka po kayo kung bakit ko po hinubad ang aking toga. Ito po ay dahil
kung may dapat po kaming ipagpasalamat, ito po ay ang paghuhubog ninyo sa amin.
Sabi nila, it takes a village to raise a child. Ganoon din po sa amin: it takes a
community to raise a seminarian. Kung kaya bago man po matapos ang araw na ito
nais po naming ipaabot ang aming pasasalamat sa mga taong naghubog sa amin. Sa
inyo pong lahat, maraming maraming salamat po.
Unang una na po ang aming mga kuya guards na hindi nagsasawang kumatok kapag
may mga naghahanap sa amin. More than anyone else, you taught us to never stop
searching for God. Di naman po naiiwasang sa paghahanap natin sa kasiyahan sa
saysay o sa kahulugan ng buhay ay tumitigil na tayo o kundi naman ay naghahanap
ng iba – but your search tells us to never settle for anything less. For the tireless search
for God, maraming salamat po.
Para po sa aming mga ate at kuya sa San Carlos. Kung meron man pong nagturo sa
amin ng kababaang-loob, kung meron mang nagsasabuhay ng Humilitas ng ating
patron, kayo na po iyon, mga taong ‘di na hinangad na makilala, mga taong ang
kasiyaha’y makitang masaya ang iba. Sa kababaang-loob, maraming salamat po.
Sa aming mga guro, thank you for reminding us that our growth must not only be
intellectual – that it must be integral:
Kay Ma’am Ellar, Sir Corpuz, Ma’am Manalo, Sir Jesswani, Fr. Jason, Fr. Gener, Fr. Sid, at
Fr. Luis, di man po namin kayo ngayon mapasalamatan, nawa ay umabot sa inyo ang
aming pasasalamat at higit sa lahat ang aming panalangin.
John Harvey David Bagos Jonathan James Olmedilla Cañete
Diocese of Novaliches
Diocese of Antipolo
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Rommel Zapanta Cruz
Diocese of Parañaque
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Ma’am Abad-Santos, thank you for teaching us the need for personal touch. You could
have helped through other means but you chose to share your person. For teaching us
the meaning of the incarnation, for teaching us that mission is immersion, maraming
salamat po. In a very personal way, allow me also to express my thanks. I still remember
that floody morning when you saw me in Marikina. When you learned of my father’s
case, you were deeply concerned; and when we first saw one another at San Carlos, the
first thing you asked me was how my father was doing. Ma’am, salamat po.
Sir R.C., kung meron man pong nagturo sa amin ng perseverance kayo na po iyon.
Kahit naiinis na kayo sa amin, you never walked out, you never gave up on us. For
perseverance, maraming salamat po.
Ma’am Padiernos, thank you for teaching us that growth depends on both the teacher
and the student. Salamat po sa pagpapaalala na di pwedeng puro kabig, puro kuha,
puro angkin, kailangang may tulak din. For responsibility, maraming salamat po.
Maa’m Medina, integrity. You always stood firm for what you believed in – even if the
storm seemed too difficult to weather. Thank you for teaching us to stand up for what
we believed in, no matter what the consequence may be. Maraming salamat po.
Ma’am Dungo, lucidity, you told us that young as you were you already knew that you
wanted to be a Ph. D. Thank you for reminding us that as young as we may be, there is
always a need for a vision – that as the Archbishop emeritus of manila would say, a man
without vision leads himself and others to treason. Maraming salamat po.
Ma’am Panelo, you always taught us that what mattered most is the effort we put in
things, na ang tinitingnan dito ay yung puso, na ang mahalaga ay yung effort – that at
the end of our lives, what matters most is how we have loved. Maraming salamat po.
Ma’am Escasa, courses with you has taught us that brevity is the soul of the wit,
na walang kwenta yung porma kung di naman maayos yung laman. Thank you for
reminding us that form without substance is as empty as the emperor’s new clothes. For
reminding us the importance of substance, maraming salamat po.
Kristoffer Jude Ybañez Duque Renz Reinier Plurad Fariñas Phillippe Angelo Guanio Garcia
Diocese of Iba
Diocese of Bangued
Diocese of Kalookan
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Ma’am Fabula, maraming salamat po sa pagiging nanay sa amin. You never proceeded
until we really understood. You never saw the difficulty of communication as an
impediment. For reminding us that there are no impediments in love, maraming
salamat po.
Sir Edwin, thank you for teaching us that as it is as important that people feel loved
as they are loved. Thank you for reminding us that it is not enough to be part of
the church but that people must see the church in us. Sa pag-papaalala sa amin na
maging amoy simbahan, maraming salamat po.
Attorney, you’ve always taught us that justice is the minimum of the law, that love
would be impossible without justice. Thank you for doing your best in reaching out to
us. Thank you as well for reminding us, that the law may be harsh but it is still the law.
For the proper exercise of justice and mercy, maraming salamat po.
Bro. Yago, naalala pa po naming noong naaksidente kayo. Never once did we hear a
word of complain. All we heard was you glorifying God for giving you another chance.
For reminding us to find God in all things, maraming salmaat po.
Sir Cainglet, thank you for reminding us to always see things through the eyes of a
person of the Spirit. We pray that you may continue to teach Karlistas even further.
Congratulations po.
To Father Jo Yu, thank you for teaching us that philosophy must always be practical
and grounded. For a grounded grasp of philosophy, maraming salamat po. In a special
way, I’d also like to express my thanks for your help as my moderator. Salamat po.
Fr. Max, what have we need of words. You’ve always tried to help us as a class and
myself in a very special way, highschool pa lang ako. Maraming salamat po.
To our SDs: to Fr. Jocis for his emphasis on the need of purity, to Monsi Allen, who
reminds us of the contemplative life, to Father Joey who amazingly recalls every detail
of a direction or counseling, to Father Jojo who has always reminded us of what it
means to be a happy priest and to my own SD, Father Rolly. Father, Maraming salamat
po sa pagtitiyaga, pag-unawa at pagtanggap.
Benedict Padernilla Jarlego
Diocese of Cubao
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
John Alford Lipana Molina
Archdiocese of Manila
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Ramon Mikhail Paulo
Escarcha NICDAO
Diocese of Novaliches
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
To the formators of the department: to Father Albert for his incredible insights and
guiding us in our last retreat, to Father Celsi who has never failed to make his presence
felt and has always made us laugh, to Father Itoy for his passion and energy, maraming
salamat po.
To Father Lorenz, who has always been patient with us from classroom to our last
recollection, maraming salamat po. Bago po pala ako makalaimut, lingid po sa kaalaman
ng lahat na si Father Lorenz ay 15 years na din po sa pagtuturo sa San Carlos. A round of
applause, please.
To Father Rey-An who has never thought twice of trusting his seniors and who has
reached out for us, Tito Father, maraming salamat po.
To our Father Rector, Monsi Coronel who despite his busy schedule has always tried to
reach out to us and make time for us, maraming salamat po.
To His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, and the Archbishop Emeritus of Manila,
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and the bishops of our respective dioceses, thank you for
giving us a special place in your heart, thank you for treating us like your children.
Sa mga taong tumulong din sa amin na makatapos, maraming salamat po. Tandaan po
ninyong simbahan po ang natulungan ninyo at hindi po ito malilimutan ng Panginoon.
To our brothers in the community, maraming salamat po sa pagtanggap sa amin bilang
mga kuya niyo, sa pagtiwala sa pagtanggap at higit sa lahat sa pag-unawa sa aming
pagkakamali. Patawad at salamat po.
Sa mga parents po naming, di nyo po alam kung gaano kayo kamahal ng mga
kapatid ko, lagi po kayong iniisip ni Harvey, lagi po kayong pinasasalamatan ni Jacob
pinagmamalaki po kayo ni Jon, ayaw po kayong nahihirapan ni Mely, kayo po ang unang
tinatawagan ni Kit, pinahahalagahan po ni Renz lahat ng bigay niyo, ayaw na ayaw
po kayong nasasaktan ni Filip, saludo po sa inyo si Benedict, mahal na mahal po kayo
ni alford, lagi po kayong pinagdadasal ni Paulo, napakarespinsable na po ngayon ni
Rommel, lagi po kayong inaalala ni PeeJay, inspirasyon po kayo ni King, kaligayahan na
Fernando Ibay Pendon Jr.
Diocese of Antipolo
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Angelo Rae Bernardo Valencia
Diocese of Novaliches
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Karlo Marko
Delos Santos Valladores
Diocese of Antipolo
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
po ni Rae na makita kayong nakangiti, at Ma, salamat po sa pagtanggap at pag-unawa
sa akin. Para sa pagiging tayo, salamat po.
Sa mga kaklase ko po, kung meron mang isa sa ating broken at wounded, isa na
siguro ako sa mga may matitindi at malalalim na sugat, pero sa kabila nito, tinaggap
niyo ako at pinili pa akong maglingkod. Marami ako sa inyong pagkukulang at sana
patawarin niyo ako. I also never had the chance to thank you pero Harvey, Jacob, Jon,
Mely, Kiti, Renz, Kuya Toffer, Filip, Benedict, Rommel, Alford, Paulo, PeeJay, Kuya King,
Rae, sana sapat na ito.
At bilang panghuli nais po naming pasalamatan ang Diyos. Kung may pinakadahilan
kung bakit po kami rito ay dahil sa awa at habag ng Diyos, propter misericordiam Dei.
We’ve not always been in our best and most often it is the mercy of God who lets
us pass through the stormy sea. Truly, the God that we had discovered, is a God rich
in mercy, dives in misericordia, a God who is merciful and at the same time calling,
mesarando atque eligendo, isang Diyos na di hinahalungkat ang nakaraan, isang Diyos
na ang mahalga ay ang kasalukuyan.
He is riding on his way to Jerusalem, into our hearts and we pray that like John and
after the motto of His Eminence we might also say It is the Lord, Dominus est. May we
see God in all things.
And also more than graduates, more than students of philosophy, may you see Christ
in us. This is our hope.
May I ask my classmates to stand. Your Eminence and my dear friends, I would like to
present to you not sixteen graduates, not sixteen philosophers, but sixteen friends of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Maraming salamat po.
Jacob Oliva Bolilan
Lorenzo Mission Institute
Archdiocese of Manila
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Romel Cantillo Lagata
Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary
Diocese of Imus
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
King Eleazer Vicedo Peñaranda
Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary
Diocese of Imus
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Bon Andeo Navarro
A Journey of Faith
Mass of the Holy Spirit. The community of San
Carlos Seminary started School Year 20122013 in preparation for the Year of Faith. The
school year officially began last June 4, 2012
with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy
Spirit. It was presided over by Most Rev. Luis
Antonio G. Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila, at
the Lay Formation Center (Layforce) Chapel.
During the mass, Archbishop Tagle stressed the
importance of the Holy Spirit in ones formation
to the priesthood.
Negros Farmers’ Stay at SCS. Coinciding the
first days of the academic year was another
historic event in San Carlos Seminary. Last June
6, 2012, farmers from Negros Occidental stayed
overnight at SCS Gymnasium in preparation for
their coming dialogue with Malacañang over
agricultural claims. It was an inspiring gesture
for the seminary in supporting the advocacy
of the farmers while also accommodating and
providing them some food and especially the
Eucharist.
Eco-Activities and Welcome Night. One of
the main thrusts of seminary formation this
year was Ecology. It was indeed a concrete
response of faith by means of stewardship.
The San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex
launched ecological activities coinciding the
celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
The launching concretized the vision of the
Complex regarding the significance of loving
the environment and caring for creation. It had
programs for proper waste segregation and
conservation of energy (water and electricity).
SCS Rector, Msgr. Coronel, likewise opened
and blessed the RCAM Earthcare Services and
Resource Recovery Center, where proper waste
segregation would be observed.
After the whole day of eco-activities, the SCS
community with the team of the formators
welcomed the new comers and returnees for
the SY 2012-2013 in the main refectory. A
dinner program introducing the neophytes was
part of the program as well as some advice
from the priests of every department.
Pilgrimage to Antipolo. The community held
their annual pilgrimage to Antipolo at the end
of June 2012. The seminarians, together with
Theol
D
logy
Department
>> page 56 | the sower 2013 | story
the seminary formators, walked from Makati
to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace
and Good Voyage in Antipolo City to mark
their yearly devotion to Our Lady. The Marian
Pilgrimage served as time for bonding, prayer,
and also physical exercise for everyone as it
likewise reflected the community’s journey of
entrusting seminary life to God for the whole
school year.
as Musical Director, had successfully ventured
on vocation concerts within the Archdiocese of
Manila and its suffragan dioceses. The vocation
concerts, through the songs and personal
stories shared by some seminarians, became
a means for the choir to campaign for priestly
vocations and to encourage young men to enter
the seminary especially for the Archdiocese of
Manila.
SETA General Assembly and Installation to the
Acolytate and Lectorate. During the first weekend
of July, the parents and families of seminarians
gathered for the First General Assembly of
Seminaryo-Tahanan ng San Carlos (SETA). This
annual interaction of parents and formators also
highlighted SETA’s 35th Founding Anniversary.
The parents joined their seminarian-sons in
the schedules and had dialogue and prayers
with their respective department directors.
Orientations and updates from the rector and
were also held at the Auditorium. Most Rev.
Leopoldo C. Jaucian, SVD, DD, Bishop of Bangued
presided over the Mass, which highlighted
the Installation of the Theology 2 seminarians
as lectors and the Theology 3 seminarians as
acolytes. It also included the oath taking of the
newly elected SETA officers for the school year.
“September-filled.” The SCS community
celebrated milestones during the month of
September 2012. Six priests from different
departments had their presbyteral anniversaries.
Msgr. Coronel also celebrated his birthday last
September 29. The Rector’s Day was important
for the community as they cherished with the
rector some moments of bonding during meals
and programs.
San Carlos Day and Alumni Homecoming. The
Feast of St. Charles Borromeo was celebrated
with prayer, community fellowship and even
games. It was not only a day of interaction and
but also deepening of the Karlista spirit and
formation while appreciating the contribution
of St. Charles to the Church and to the seminary
formation as well. Moreover, there was also a
highlight on the talents of seminarians in the
“Sangandaan” Vocation Concert. The San Carlos evening event, “Christ Factor.”
Seminary Optimi Choir showcased their talents
during vocation concerts for the first semester. For the 80th SCS Alumni Homecoming last
“Sangandaan” or crossroad was the theme November 5-6, 2012, the theme “Karlista: Men
chosen because people make decisions everyday of Faith, Men of Mission” was also chosen in
and all are faced with choices and what to do connection with the Year of Faith. The annual
in life just like being on a crossroads. The SCS gathering of priests from the different dioceses
Optimi Choir with Fr. Carlo Magno S. Marcelo in the Philippines recalled good memories from
the past as lay and priest alumni stayed in and
cherished the seminary they attended then. It
was an opportunity for them to give back and
thank the institution they once considered
home and sanctuary of their priestly vocation.
their seminarians, as well as breakfast with the
seminary formators in the refectory. The visit of
the bishops coincided with the Annual General
Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines held at St. Pius X Catholic Center
in United Nations Avenue, Manila from January
SETA Recollection. Two distinguished bishops, 21 to 28, 2013.
the then-Cardinal-elect Luis Antonio G. Tagle,
the Archbishop of Manila and Most Rev. SETA Fun Run and Theology 1 Admission to the
Sofronio A. Bancud, Bishop of Cabanatuan, Candidacy for Orders. The last SETA Family Day
had given their reflection regarding the for the school year gathered the seminarians
theme, “Pananampalataya: Sandigan ng together with their parents and guests for
Pamilyang Nagpapahalaga sa Buhay.” Cardinal the first-ever SETA Fun Run. The Fun Run and
Tagle expounded on the importance of the “Palarong Pinoy” also replaced the simple
transmission of “life” as one of the main program and raffle draw which were the usual
responsibilities of the parents in rearing their activities of the previous SETA Family Day. As
children. Bishop Bancud gave his talk about part of the activities, seminarians from Theology
the significance of the constant reflection of 1 Class were admitted to the candidacy for
the Word of God within the family and its Sacred Orders by Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes,
incorporation into one’s daily experience. The Bishop of Antipolo.
parents and seminarians had a chance to have
a Taize prayer. In this rare occasion, they all had Ordination and Graduation. Closing the school
year was the ordination to the Sacred Order
time for family prayer, reflection and sharing.
of Deacons and the graduation of college and
Bishops’ Bonding with SCS Community. Ten theology seminarians. Both occasions were
bishops joined the seminary community last officiated by His Eminence Luis Antonio G.
January 22, 2013 to have a “spiritual bonding” Cardinal Tagle at the Main Chapel.
with the seminarians. The bishops, who have
their seminarians studying in San Carlos The school year was indeed a response of faith
Seminary, celebrated the Holy Eucharist in for the whole community. Moreover, with the
the morning. Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, activities envisioned for the Year of Faith, the
Bishop of Pasig and also Chairman of the CBCP events of SY 2012-2013 truly refreshed the faith
Episcopal Commission on Seminaries, presided of each one and renewed the commitment of
over the mass. The bishops had an opportune SCS as one family.
time of simple chat and picture-taking with
Ace Fernando Y. Cara
The PSIY Experience
If there is one thing I like most about the Pastoral Spiritual Integration Year, it is the many opportunities to
journey. That is how our class, the St. Padre Pio of Petralcina class, celebrated the year of Faith. We celebrated
it by “journeying.”
We journeyed as a class. History has been made. Our class, which is composed of four seminarians, has the
smallest number to have undergone PSIY in the history of San Carlos Seminary. Our number is enough, as
others would say, to ride in a “taxi.” It was unusual since the previous batches having larger number than us.
Nonetheless, this helped us to know each other in a deep and personal way. Since we were only four, it was
easy to listen to each other’s stories and to do things together. This year taught us to trust, accept, care for
and love one another. We learned to enjoy, value and treasure each other’s company. We grew in our faith
as one united in love and in firm trust in God.
We journeyed with other people. The program gave us
the chance to meet peoples and create new bonds of
friendship. We met, talked with and shared ourselves
to different people from different communities in our
immersions. We encountered people with different
walks of life. The Dioceses of Malaybalay, Cagayan and
Cotabato enhanced our faith as we encountered their
sheepfold during our rural immersion. We were inspired
by their generosity, simple lifestyle and deep faith in
God. We also journeyed with ordinary workers in our
labor immersion. By living with them and being one
of them, we learned to empathize to their sentiments,
share with them joys and struggles in life, and appreciate
their company. Our faith was nourished and our social
awareness was widened by living with the urban poor
communities in Motalban, Rizal and Malibay, Pasay City
during our urban immersion. The stories of failure and
success of the people in these communities taught us
to deal with life. We must be patient and persevering.
Importantly, we learned that these two virtues should
always be rooted in our firm faith in God.
We journeyed in different places. Our PSIY experience
is not complete without the experience of “fun.” We
enjoyed going to places we had never been before. We
concluded our rural immersion by exploring the wonders
of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. We engaged in extreme
sports and adventures like white water rafting and zip
lining. We witnessed the beauty of the “north” during
our mid-point outing. We went to Vigan, Paoy, Laog and
Pagudpud. We indulged in their special delicacies and
mesmerized with their eye-captivating sceneries. We did
the same when we went to Bohol and Cebu for our endpoint outing. Importantly, our experience of fun in the
PSIY taught us to appreciate God, the divine Architect,
for creating all the wonderful places we enjoyed.
We journeyed within ourselves. In the PSIY journeying
within ourselves is the most important journey of all.
As a special non-academic year, PSIY helped us know
ourselves better. By undergoing various seminars on
self-awareness, we went back to our personal history.
We uncovered our hidden and unresolved issues in life
which affect the way we relate with ourselves, others and
God. By knowing ourselves better we learned to accept
our weaknesses and appreciate our giftedness. By looking
back on our past experiences we witnessed how God has
been working in our life every step of our way, guiding
us, caring for us and loving us. By looking back on our
history, we encountered God who is always present and
never abandons. Journeying within ourselves turned out
for us as a journey toward God, our final and ultimate
destination. By trying to know our selves better we ended
up having our own personal religious experience. Such an
experience can only but nourish and strengthen our faith
and inspire us to put all our trust in Him all the more.
th e ology
Theology 1
SAINT JOHN OF
THE CROSS CLASS
DANIEL ALMOGUERA
DOMINGUEZ
Cubao
FRANCIS BRANGERO
ABELLA
Alaminos
REDENTOR LORENZO REVADILO
BITUIN
Lipa
ROY JOHN ROXAS
DEL ROSARIO
Cabanatuan
RON MARK PAULINO
ELARCOSA
Antipolo
FRANCIS ROI ALBAO
MADARANG
Antipolo
JERICHO SANTOS
ORTIZ
Alaminos
“Faith is a dark night for man,
but in this very way it gives him light.”
>> page 60 | the sower 2013 | community
Saint John of the Cross, Ascent of Mount Carmel
Theology 1
MICHAEL AW-AS
TOKOYEN JR.
Bontoc-Lagawe
NORMAN VERGARA
TRAMBULO
Daet
JOEY HITEROZA
VALDEZ
Antipolo
Theology 2
SAINT IGNATIUS
OF LOYOLA CLASS
FRANZ JOSEPH GARCIA
AQUINO
Cabanatuan
ROMMEL JOHN GALUTERA
ATIENZA
Alaminos
>> page 61 | the sower 2013 | community
PAUL JEFFREY URAG
TOGUAY
Antipolo
FLORANTE DAIRO
BALDERAS JR.
Taytay, Palawan
“Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord,
and by this means to save his soul.”
Theology 2
th e o l o g y
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises
th e ology
DEAN JEROME CASABUENA
CRUZ
Cabanatuan
JOVER EBIO
DOMANICO
Cubao
JONATHAN NOEL MARCELO
MOJICA
Manila
FRED CRISTIAN FERNANDEZ
NARVASA
Cubao
FREDERICK CARLO FERNANDEZ
NARVASA
Cubao
BON ANDEO
NAVARRO
Parañaque
CLYDE ERICSON HERNANDEZ
NOLASCO
Manila
ANTHONY RAMOS
SIBUG
Balanga
>> page 62 | the sower 2013 | community
“Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that
I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with
me, Lord ... I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often...
Pastoral-Spiritual integration year
NIKU ELEGINO
VICENTE
Pasig
JOHYA PAUL
KIJIMA
Kagoshima, Japan
ACE FERNANDO YACAT
CARA
San Jose, Nueva Ecija
PAUL ENRIQUE HALUAG
GUNGON IV
Manila
SAINT PIO OF
PIETRELCINA CLASS
ADRIAN SALAS
BACANI
Manila
>> page 63 | the sower 2013 | community
PSIY
DENNIS MARTIN
VENTURINA
San Jose, Nueva Ecija
Stay with me, Lord ... without You, I am without fervor. Stay with
me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness.”
Theology 3
th e o l o g y
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Stay with Me, Lord
th e ology
>> page 64 | the sower 2013 | community
Theology 3
SAINT PAUL THE
APOSTLE CLASS
RYAN ADRIAN MANGUNAY
AGUINALDO
Cabanatuan
MELCHOR DOMASIG
ANDAYA
Antipolo
MARVIN MIRANDA
CRUZ
Manila
JAN-VINCENT VALERA
DAMIAN
Bangued
MICHAEL PADILLA
DE GUZMAN
Tarlac
ADRIAN VILLEGAS
ERMITA
Iba
RAMON CHRISTOPHER CANDELARIO
MOLINA
Tarlac
TEJAY PALMA
SAMSON
Iba
JERICO ISAAC
SILVA
Cabanatuan
REYNALDO ESPIRITU
SISON
Cabanatuan
“I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss
of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may
gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of
my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through
faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.”
Saint Paul, Letter to the Philippians 3:8
2013
Ordinandi
Saint Maximilian kolbe Class
Jonathan T. Cadiz
I miss my classmates
By this time, most of us are now engaged in doing our assigned tasks
in our respective parish assignments. This is the time where we can
actually give flesh to what we have learned after undergoing seminary
formation. This period in our lives is still part of our vocation stories
where God continues to call us to serve Him and his Church.
Every vocation story is unique in as much as every class is also
unique. It is mysterious to think of how God uniquely called and put
us together in a journey as a class. In the seminary, aside from the
uniqueness that each of us have, our class also had a variety of unique
experiences: Back then during my first year of college in San Carlos
Seminary, our class was the last batch to belong to the Juniorate
Department consisting of the combined year levels of Formation Year
and College One. Coming from the minor seminary, this year was
more of an adjustment period in getting to know the new community.
Upon entering the Philosophy Department, we started to get along
well with each other. The subgroups of “FFY’s” and “Minor’s” gradually
ceased as sources of conflict among our class. When we reached the
last year of our seminary formation in the Theology Department,
we were very fortunate to have Cardinal Tagle as our professor in
Dogmatic Synthesis. As a brilliant and humble theologian, his lively
Raymund Victor Acuña
Diocese of Tarlac
MA in Theology
Major in Systematic Theology
Marvin Yap Alili
Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay
MA in Pastoral Ministry
Marion Noel Quinto Bayaras
Archdiocese of Manila
MA in Pastoral Ministry
and spirit-filled lectures encouraged our class to be witnesses to
what we have learned in theology. In terms of our number, we also
had some casualties and newcomers along the way. Some opted to
take a break from seminary formation while some were given the
opportunity to join our class. What matters most is that through
God’s grace, there were nine survivors who were able to make it to
the end. I am blessed to be one of them.
More importantly, I think what makes our experience of seminary
formation unique is that we were journeying together as a class. I
remember after our graduation, we all felt relieved knowing that our
classes were finally over. We were all happy because everyone has
successfully accomplished the demands of our academic formation.
This was made possible because of the constant support of the class
– the sharing of notes, reviewers, consultations, and the many group
reviews we had in preparation for the finals and the comprehensive
exam. Outside the confines of the classroom, we were like real
brothers to each other. We were comfortable in sharing about our
own joys and pains in life because we are assured to know that we
have a class who understands and accepts us as who we are.
Jonathan Torculas Cadiz
Diocese of Parañaque
MA in Theology
Major in Systematic Theology
Mitchelle Gonzalez Cinense
Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija
MA in Pastoral Ministry
Kali Pietre Mingoy Llamado
Archdiocese of Manila
MA in Theology
Major in Systematic Theology
I am not in any way saying that we were the perfect class. Of course
there were times of misunderstanding and conflict brought about
by our differences. But despite that, what dominated in our journey
were not competition and rivalry but cooperation and brotherhood.
This is where the grace of God is at work in our journey as a class.
It transformed our own differences to opportunities of building
relationships with each other. Our class patron, Saint Maximilian
Mary Kolbe says, “Hatred is not a creative force: only love is.”
Now that we are on our own parish assignments, our spiritual bond
with each other is not diminished. It is very much alive. It continues
to reach out to everyone who has been part of our journey as a class.
This explains what my heart says when memories of seminary days
would come to my mind: “I miss the seminary community and my
beloved classmates.”
Allan Jose Rosario Manaois
Diocese of Alaminos
MA in Pastoral Ministry
Rai Jaden Callangan Paguergan Marvin Bulacan Pajarillaga
Diocese of Antipolo
Diocese of Cubao
MA in Pastoral Ministry
MA in Pastoral Ministry
Rev. Marion Noel Q. Bayaras
To Preach and
to Bear Witness
People have often asked us why we chose to enter the seminary or
what is it in the seminary and in the priesthood that have attracted
us. The dwindling number of candidates and of applicants entering
the seminary is just but a proof that somehow the ordained ministry
is no longer that appealing to young men. Gone were the days
when candidates for ordination would have at least ten or more. Six
candidates nowadays would already be considered a good number for
a diocese or a congregation.
But what triggered the decline? What happened that made the
religious life look appalling for the young people? What is it that made
the religious life somehow nonsensical especially to the secularist
and progressive thinkers? Is it because professing obedience, celibacy
and living a life of simplicity would seem a little bit irrational in this
modern day and age? Or is it because of the lack of witnesses within
the Church ranks themselves? Or maybe the scandals that rocked the
Church have contributed to this phenomenon? For sure, I can never
tell.
Ian Michael Cacho Abad, SSS Aris Palapar Añonuevo, SSS Jumen Pedrano Arcelo, OSM
Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
Order of the Servants of Mary
MA in Pastoral Ministry
MA in Pastoral Ministry
MA in Pastoral Ministry
It would seem logical to think that having these reasons would
already be enough for young people to shun the religious life. In this
modern day and age wherein society would offer everything possible
that you want, why would the religious still profess obedience? In
these times wherein sex sells and cohabitation is the name of the
game, why do we still have people promising celibacy? And in a
world wherein secularization is on the rise, and the thought of God is
sometimes side-lined, what’s the sense of praying without ceasing?
And yet, these are the promises that we have made during our
ordination as deacons. It may seem absurd and preposterous to
profess these promises in this fast changing society. And it would
really look absurd and preposterous if we see it through the eyes
of a secularist world. The only thing that we are sure of is that
we responded in such manner because of our faith and the ever
constant love that God continues to show us.
In our experience, God did not make any extravagant event to catch
our attention. But just like Elijah, who experienced God in a small
passing wind, we, too, experienced God in the ordinariness of our
everyday lives. It is in these ordinary events of our lives that we have
heard, responded and affirmed the invitation of God for us to serve
him and his Church. And it is through the people that we have met,
Manuelino Hanopol Maamo, SSS Gilbert Tolentino Romulo Jr. Benjamin Tuballa Solamillo, SSS
Holy Apostles Senior Seminary
Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
MA in Pastoral Ministry
MA in Theology
Major in Spirituality
MA in Theology
Major in Historico-Liturgico Pastoral Studies
talked, and shared our lives with that God has manifested himself
to us. God indeed makes his love incarnate through the very people
that we meet everyday. It is God who constantly calls, chooses,
sustains and continually loves. It is He who is our sole inspiration of
love and service. Even our desire to thank Him is itself His gift. We
can never thank Him enough for everything is grace.
As we embark in our ministry, it is but right for us to preach Jesus
and to bear witness to Him. These are the least that we can do
and offer compared to enormous love that God has shown us. Our
response is but a little act of love compared to the grandiosity of
His graces. May we be faithful to this gift He has given us so that we
may offer a pleasing sacrifice through our very lives.
To our Lady, our dear Mama Mary. It is but right to thank her for
being our mother especially in those moments when we were
looking for our own biological mothers, in those times that we wish
we could run to our own mothers. She has sustained us and helped
us persevere in our vocation. We entrust ourselves to our dear Lady.
May we always look to her as our model of discipleship so that we
may be faithful in preaching and bearing witness to her Son, Jesus.
Mark Lemuel Medinaceli Tibay, LRMS
Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society
MA in Theology
Major in Missiology
Andrew Xi Lu Zhao
Lorenzo Mission Institute
Diocese of Handan, China
>> page 72 | the sower 2013 | feature
The Year of Faith proclaimed
by His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI throughout the Catholic
Church began last October
11, 2012. It marked both the
fiftieth anniversary of the
opening of the Second Vatican
Council and the twentieth
anniversary of the publication
of the Catechism of the
Catholic Church. It will end
on November 24, 2013, the
Solemnity of Christ the King.
Bon A. Navarro
San Carlos Seminary
in the Year of Faith
In celebration of the Year of Faith,
the SCS community has patterned
many of its activities for School Year
2012-2013 in the spirit of this special
year for the Church. The events and
activities were structured in line with
the invitation of Pope Benedict XVI
mentioned in his Apostolic Letter,
Porta Fidei (Door of Faith). The Pope
stressed “the need to rediscover the
journey of faith so as to shed ever
clearer light on the joy and renewed
enthusiasm of the encounter with
Christ.” Indeed, there is an urgent
call for renewal in the Church today.
Now that we call more specifically
for “New Evangelization,” we face the
present challenges of the modern
world with greater confidence.
San Carlos Seminary, for its part,
embraced these important concerns
in preparation for the Year of Faith.
This became the actual vision that
the community took for itself in the
school year.
At the start of the academic year,
the spiritual activities particularly
the annual retreat and monthly
recollections focused on topics
from the Creed and from the Holy
Father’s addresses concerning the
Year of Faith. This coincided with the
gradual implementation of the New
English Translation of the Roman
Missal during the first Community
Mass held at the SCS Main Chapel
last June 3, 2012.
As preparations were in place,
the community then entered into
the Year of Faith in October 2012.
Msgr. Hernado Coronel read out
the Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter on
the Year of Faith and in a homily, he
explained its dynamic application
to the formation of seminarians.
He added also the significance
of the nine-year preparation for
the commemoration of the 500th
anniversary of the arrival of the
Christian Faith in the Philippines.
Throughout this school year,
specific programs and activities
were organized to highlight and
stress the objectives of the Year of
Faith in seminary formation.
The Rationale for the Year of Faith
The date of the opening of the Year of Faith was chosen carefully. It also partly explains the Pope’s intentions. October 11, 2012 marks
the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (1962) and the twentieth anniversary of the promulgation of the
catechism of the Catholic Church (1992). The significance of these two events determines considerably the spirit of the Year of Faith.
In our time, the Second Vatican Council is the great moment of renewal in faith. Blessed John XXIII desired that through the Council “the
Church will become greater in spiritual riches and gaining the strength of new energies therefrom, she will look to the future without fear.”
The renewal of the Church comes from a rediscovery of its spiritual heritage. By ‘renewal’ Vatican does not mean the emergence of a totally
new Church that is cut off from the past. A proper interpretation of the Council does not allow a view of the “post-Vatican II Church” that
disparages and “corrects” the “pre-Vatican II Church” by disregarding the Tradition, simplistically exalting what came after the council as good
and criticizing what went before it as bad. Neither does a proper hermeneutic of Vatican II allow the reverse that is, judging the “post Vatican
II Church” as a deviation from the Apostolic Faith as though the true Church stopped existing after Vatican II. A mere glance at the sources
used in the sixteen documents of the Council shows that there exists a profound continuity in the Church, the continuity of faith assured by
the Holy Spirit. The Year of Faith invites us to study again the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church that is its fruit
in order to rediscover the vitality of the faith we have inherited.
Aside from celebrating Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Year of Faith invites us to look closely at the contemporary world, its
beauty and wounds. The continuity of the Church through the ages allows various forms of renewal. The Church receives, celebrates and lives the
faith in different historical settings with their unique demands and challenges. Vatican II is one such renewal, engaging the phenomena that make
up the modern world. Within the Year of Faith a Synod of Bishops will be convoked to reflect on the New Evangelization. In a span of fifty years
after Vatican II, the world has seen dramatic changes that pose new challenges, even threats, to faith and its transmission. The Philippines, specifically
the area covered by the Archdiocese of Manila, is not exempt. But we also believe that the contemporary world, especially the youth and the poor,
expresses its search for God in ways that the Church must also discover. Thus the Year of Faith invites us to listen to the deep cries and aspirations of
the people and societies of our time so that we can proclaim Jesus Christ to them with new methods, new expressions and new fervor. It is a year of
listening and mission as well.
Taken from the Pastoral Letter of the Archbishop of Manila, September 28, 2012.
Ecological Program
The San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex community launched
ecological activities during the celebration of Independence Day.
This formal launching brought forward the significance of loving the
environment and caring for creation. This includes programs for proper
waste segregation and conservation of energy (water and electricity). In
formally putting up a system for waste segregation, the RCAM Earthcare
Services and Resource Recovery Center was opened and blessed by
Msgr. Coronel.
Mrs. Lou Valencia-Arsenio, coordinator of the Ministry on Ecology of
the Archdiocese of Manila, gave a whole-day seminar to prepare the
seminarians and seminary personnel. Mrs. Arsenio strongly stressed the
need for ecological conversion among Filipinos, which entails a change
of lifestyle and a renewal of ecological concern.
WITNESSES OF FAITH
Ecology is one of the main thrusts of formation for this SY 2012-2013, and
it is also one way to observe the Year of Faith by being faithful stewards
of God’s creation.
Saint Pedro Calungsod
On the 18th of February 2012, Pope Benedict XVI made a historic announcement
for the Filipino Nation. Next to St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the much awaited elevation to
sainthood of Blessed Pedro Calungsod took place on the 21st of October 2012.
St. Pedro Calungsod is the second saint for the Filipino faithful.
When Pope John Paul II beatified Pedro Calungsod at St. Peter’s Basilica in
Rome, the late pontiff stressed, “Young friends, do not hesitate to follow the
example of Pedro, who ‘pleased God and was loved by him’ (Wisdom 4:10)
and who, having come to perfection in a short time, lived a full life.”
Calungsod may have died long ago. The time of the missionaries and their
nature of work may have elapsed with history. But the young Filipino who
was martyred for the spread of faith is a living witness of how courageous the
Filipinos are in proclaiming their deep attachment to and dependence on the
God.
Blessed John Paul II’s message for the youth is to live in the light of Blessed
Calungsod’s example. The scriptures strengthen this, “No love is greater than
to give up his life for a friend.” Indeed, Calungsod is a real epitome of how
true happiness and fulfillment in life is found in being Stewards of the Gospel.
Conferences on Vatican II and New Evangelization
The Intellectual Formation Committee of the San Carlos Graduate
School of Theology has organized a series of academic conferences
entitled “Vatican II Lectures” to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary
of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. More significantly, the
conferences also encouraged seminarians to review the documents of
the Vatican II in preparation for the Year of Faith. The first conference
last August 31 was given by Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, who shared his
reflections on the Reception of Vatican II in Asia. The second conference
was delivered by the Archbishop of Manila, Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle
on September 17. The Archbishop explained the proper reception of
the documents of Vatican II specifically in the Philippine Church. The
third conference was delivered by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick
Pabillo on November 19 on the document Dei Verbum of Vatican II and
its significance in the Year of Faith. The last conference for this year was
given by Mr. Edwin Lopez of EWTN last January 21. He talked about the
document Inter Mirifica and the challenges of New Evangelization.
His Eminence
Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio “Chito” G. Tagle was elevated to the rank of
Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI last November 24, 2012. Along with five others at
a consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Tagle received his ring and red hat,
symbols of his inclusion into the College of Cardinals that elects a new Pope. The
scarlet cardinalatial garment symbolizes his willingness to die for the gospel.
In speaking of his appointment as Cardinal, he admits that it both “consoles
and terrifies” him, the former because of “the trust and love of the Pope as
well as of the whole Church in the Philippines” and the latter because of “the
magnitude of the task at hand.” He was seen shedding tears soon after his
installation as Cardinal, which explained: “I guess when you’re before a great
mystery that you know is beyond you – a calling, a grace, a mission – then you
tremble and at the same time you’re happy.”
A decade after his episcopal ordination in 2011, Bishop Tagle was installed
as the Archbishop of Manila, succeeding His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal
Rosales in governing an archdiocese of about 2.8 million Roman Catholics.
Following his passion for teaching, he now teaches also in San Carlos Seminary.
As pastor and teacher, he is indeed an effective witness of the Faith.
Mission and Apostolate
Mission is an important task in the Year of Faith and as Church all of us
are called to mission. As seminarians preparing for the priesthood, this
Year of Faith was time for us to understand better and more deeply the
faith we profess through the call to mission and apostolate.
Aside from the weekly apostolate schedule this year, seminarians
were also exposed to other ways of bringing the Good News. College
seminarians were assigned as catechists to public schools on Thursdays
and were also active in helping out in urban poor areas.
WITNESSES OF FAITH
The theology seminarians on the other hand took up the Catholic Lay
Evangelization (CLAYE) Program last October 8-11, 2012 which was
organized and facilitated by the Lay Formation Center. CLAYE has been
an effective tool since the late 1980’s to evangelize both the Catholic
and non-Catholic members of the parish. This effort aimed at bringing
people back to Church and renewal of faith by means of visiting them
and preaching the message of faith to them. This activity enriched
seminarians not only in terms of skills for the apostolate but also in
terms of their passion in serving the Church through the mission.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis
Last February 28, 2013 Pope Benedict XVI renouned the
ministry as Bishop of Rome. The announcement brought
about mixed emotions and some disappointment among
the faithful as well as the world. His decision nevertheless
was met with respect and admiration for his humility and
courage to admit his incapacity to continue holding his office.
Archbishop Tagle said in his message, “Sadness gives way to
admiration for the Holy Father’s humility, honesty, courage
and sincerity. His paramount desire is to promote the greater
good of the Church. We know that the Papal ministry is not
an easy task. So we thank Pope Benedict XVI, who was elected
Pope at the rather advanced age of 78, for selflessly guiding
the Church these past eight years with his teaching, simplicity
and gentleness.” A man of Faith himself, Pope Benedict in
this final act as Pope gives us a model to follow. He serves
as a witness of how true humility and faith should penetrate
the way we serve the Church. In his homily during his last
Papal Mass, Pope Benedict thanked everyone and sought
the assistance of their prayers as he concluded his ministry:
“This evening we meet in great numbers around the tomb of
the Apostle Peter, also to beg his intercession for the Church’s
path forward at this particular moment, renewing our faith in
the Chief Pastor, Christ the Lord. For me it is a fitting occasion
to thank everyone, especially the faithful of the Diocese of
Rome, as I prepare to conclude my Petrine ministry and to ask
for a special remembrance in your prayers.”
Days after the See of Rome was pronounced Sede Vacante,
Cardinals from all parts of the world came for the Conclave
that would elect the next pope. By March 13, the Archbishop
of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio,
succeeded as the new Supreme Pontiff taking the name
Francis after the saint from Assisi who was loved much for his
poverty and humility.
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he was known for his simplicity,
humility and his warm approach to people. He lived in an
apartment, shunning away from the usual Archbishop’s palace.
He cooked his own food and took the public transportation,
where he took time to talk with people whom he gets to ride
Celebration of the Paschal Triduum
The school year was capped by the celebration of the Holy Week and
Pashcal Triduum in the seminary. This was all the more special because
the celebration itself was embellished by the themes and objective of
the Year of Faith. As part of priestly training, conferences were held with
the help of Fr. Genaro Diwa of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
to aid seminarians in the proper celebration of the Paschal Triduum
liturgy. During the week itself, various ways of commemorating the
passion of the Lord were organized. This included the traditional
Pabasa, stations of the cross and visita iglesia. The formators divided
among them the assignment in celebrating the Triduum liturgy, while
seminarians arranged ways to make the celebration more colorful and
meaningful.
The celebration of the Year of Faith this year could not have otherwise
been fully realized if not for such days of prayer and preparation which
aided all of us to fully appreciate the faith we have received in baptism
and now profess as Easter people.
along with. He was a prominent defender of the rights of the
poor, as he frequently visited a slum area in his diocese. There
with the poor in their place, he celebrated mass, washed the
feet of those recovering from drug addiction, and even took
pastoral care of divorcees.
He was installed as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff
of the Catholic Church last Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at the
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. His message to the people was
to be deeply rooted in Christ in order to effect change in
the modern world. He then asked for prayers again for the
universal Church and blessed the people with much joy.
Pope Francis has indeed proclaimed the Gospel unceasingly
since the day he became pope. He has commited himself to
preaching how the world needs to encounter Jesus and to
reject worldliness. This he taught not only by words but also
by the way he lived out his ministry as pope. He is for us a
shining witness of faith.
Rev. Fr. Victor Angelo S. Parlan
TO BE SALT
AND LIGHT
>> page 78 | the sower 2013 | feature
Reflections on his Ordination to the Priesthood
We cannot accept that salt should become tasteless or O Lord, to be your priest is to be salt and light!
the light be kept hidden.
In the world where secularism creeps into every fiber
Pope Benedict XVI admonishes us with these words of our life, it is very easy to forget you. Because there
in Porta Fidei, quoting the sermon on the mount, are many other things to be concerned about, people
telling the crowds that they are to be salt of the care less about their relationship with you. We easily
earth and light of the world. Indeed, all of us who grow tired. We easily grow weary. And today, you
have received the faith, have heard the Good News, remind me that I must bring back flavor to souls who
or have encountered Jesus in our life are given this are becoming bland. You bid me to console those who
same mandate. If salt loses its taste, with what can are in despair. You bid me to strengthen in hope those
it be seasoned? Who lights a lamp and then puts it who are losing it. You entrust to me the sacrament
under a bushel basket?
that absolves the sinner and comforts the sick. You
ask me to season the world with your presence.
You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the
world.
In the world slowly being overcome by darkness –
the darkness of sin, of hatred, of violence, of greed –
With these words, O Lord, I begin my ministry as we are given to choose between good and bad. Evil
a priest. I find it significant and meaningful to be seems to take the upper hand and it appears that
ordained in this Year of Faith. These words are a goodness is losing its place. You remind me to be
reminder not just of who I am as a Christian, but more light amidst the darkness. You bid me to enlighten
so now, who I am as a priest. In this year dedicated those who are confused. You bid me to preach and
to purifying, reinvigorating, and rediscovering the to teach. As I receive the sacred vessels for mass, you
beauty of our faith, I too purify, reinvigorate, and say to me, “know what you are doing, and imitate the
rediscover the beauty of this vocation to which you mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery
have called me. I too receive the mission to be an of the Lord’s cross.” My life is to be light.
instrument that will purify, reinvigorate, and lead to
the rediscovery of the beauty of the faith of your However, writing about all this overwhelms one with
people.
the task at hand. I, for my part, who am about to
Rev. Fr. Lord Kristoffer Roque Beltran
Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga
Ordained Priest October 5, 2012
Batch 2012
Rev. Fr. Victor Angelo Soriano Parlan
Diocese of Cubao
Ordained Priest March 2, 2013
Batch 2012
begin the ministry feels that it will not be very easy. No one can say that I was ordained because I was
It won’t be… if I rely only on my own capacities.
good or capable. I would like to believe that my
ordination was a fruit of my being faithful. And the
In the seminary, I thought I could get by with sheer priesthood is a never-ending journey of faith. The
ability and talent, with intelligence and skill. But even faith that has sustained me all these years through
as I gave of myself, one by one, I lost the people dear my joys and sorrows is the same faith that will sustain
to me. My mom acquired a grave illness. We lost our me in the many more years to come. This faith is the
house due to a fire. Our way of life had to change. salt with which I am to season the earth. This faith is
This would have been enough reasons to rethink the the light with which I am to illumine the world.
priesthood. These would have been enough reasons
for Gelo, the only child, to consider studying for a Let your light shine before others that they may see
high-paying job and a professional career.
your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
During the moments when we had practically
nothing in our hands, dreams, abilities, and talents,
proved to be insufficient. They were just a part of
what really made me, as one who decided to devote
himself to your service. My abilities and talents, my
dream and ambition, cringed at the feet of suffering
and trials. It required something more than ability
and ambition. It required faith.
At the end of the day, it is still about you, O Lord. It
is not my light, but your light. It is not my deeds but
your deeds. I am salt because I, too, have experienced
being seasoned by your love. I am light because I,
too, have had my own darkness overcome by the
light of your presence. Everything I do cannot but
point to you. When I am tempted to congratulate
myself, remind me, O Lord, that my priesthood comes
from you and is all about you. For we do not preach
ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your
slaves for the sake of Jesus… But we hold this treasure
in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of
God and not from us. (2 Cor 4:5-7)
Human as I am, today, I promised to live a life of prayer,
celibacy, and obedience. Bishop Nes reminded me
that it was You who have begun the good work in me;
it is You who will bring it to fulfillment. When I said,
“Here I am!” – Adsum! – the bishop made recourse
to the same faith: “Relying on the help of the Lord Lord, to be your priest is to be salt and light. To be
God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose this, our your salt and light is to spread the good work you
brother, for the office of the priesthood.”
have begun in me that others may see, and believe,
and glorify the Father in heaven.
San Carlos Seminary
Publications Staff
2012-2013
SCS Publications
Director: Fr. Lorenz Moises Festin
Chairman: Marvin Cruz
Assistant Chairman: Bon Navarro, Dean Jerome Cruz
Archives Head: Fred Cristian Narvasa
SCS Information Vol.20
Theoria Vol.3
Editor-in-Chief: Bon Andeo Navarro; Associate Editors:
Jonathan Noel Mojica, Francis Roi Madarang, Franz
Joseph Aquino; Research Team: Ral Jaden Paguergan,
Alford Molina; Layout Artists: Dean Jerome Cruz, Marvin
Cruz; Circulations: Anthony Sibug, Paul Jeffrey Toguay;
Graphic Design & Cartoonists: John Rommel Atienza,
Guillermo Omnes, Kristoffer Duque, Edrianne Bersamina;
Photographers: Clyde Ericson Nolasco, Fred Cristian
Narvasa, Philippe Garcia, Greg Turqueza; Writers: Norman
Trambulo, Nikko Leyretana, Paulo Nicdao, Jason Alde,
Jonathan Cadiz, Jonathan Cañete, Raymund Acuña,
Joko Plurad, Rommel Cruz, Kali Pietre Llamado, Daniel
Dominguez, Ronaldo Diaz, Justine Pabalan, John Victor
Baclor, Marvin Vinuya, Kevin Cosme, Kim Valladores, Ron
Mark Elarcosa, Andrew Anzano, Benedict Jarlego.
Editors: Marvin Cruz, Xavier Paul Jacome; Moderator:
Fr. Lorenz Moises Festin; Published by the Philosophy
Department.
The Sower 2013
Editor: Marvin Cruz; Assistant Editor: Paul Jeffrey Toguay;
Writers: Kevin Cosme, Lynch Flores, Bon Navarro, Ral
Paguergan, Norman Trambulo; Photos and Materials:
Adrian Ermita, Vic Kevin Ferrer, Fred Cristian Narvasa, Greg
Turqueza; Layout and Design: Dean Jerome Cruz, Marvin
Cruz, Jerico Silva; Cover Design: Clyde Ericson Nolasco,
Kristoffer Duque; Finance: Jonathan Cadiz, Alford Molina;
Moderator: Fr. Lorenz Moises Festin.
The Carolingian 2013
Editor: Marvin Cruz; Associate Editors: Dean Jerome Cruz,
Ral Jaden Paguergan; Contributors: Daniel Dominguez,
Bon Navarro; Published by the San Carlos Seminary
Alumni Association, Inc. (SCSAA).
The Avenues Vol.18
Editor: Marvin Cruz; Encoder: Paul Jeffrey U. Toguay;
Layout and Design: Jerico I. Silva; Circulation Manager:
Dean Jerome C. Cruz; Adviser / Dean of Studies: Fr. Joel
Jason; Published by the Theology Department.
Manila Archdiocesan
Homily Guides 2012-2013
Editor-in-Chief: Fr. Joel Jason; Associate Editor: Dean
Jerome Cruz; Editorial Assistants and Encoders: Marvin
Cruz, Francis Roi Madarang, Bon Navarro; Communications:
Jonathan Noel Mojica, Daniel Dominguez; Circulation and
Marketing: Frederick Carlo Narvasa, Roy John Del Rosario;
Operations Manager: Anthony Sibug.
San Carlos Seminary Website
Development and Design: Marvin Cruz, Dean Jerome
Cruz; Articles and Write-ups: Bon Navarro, Franz Joseph
Aquino, Kali Pietre Llamado, Jonathan Cadiz; Archives
and Photography: Fred Christian Narvasa, Clyde Ericson
Nolasco, Norman Trambulo, Francis Roi A. Madarang;
Research: Ral Jaden Paguergan, Daniel Dominguez.
SCS Archives
Multimedia Committe Chairman: Fred Cristian Narvasa;
Photographers: Greg Turqueza, Jaime Lopez Jr., Clyde
Ericson Nolasco, Dean Jerome Cruz; Archivist: Ral Jaden
Paguergan.
A community in a journey of FAITH!
San Carlos Seminary
Makati City - 2013