The St. Joseph Regional Seminary

The St. Joseph Regional Seminary

I. General Outlook:

The Seminary is known to be the seedbed of vocation, wherein the seed is being nurtured and cared. However, in my own reflection, the place is far more a formation house…it is “a Holy ground” (Exodus 3, 4-5), a ground where transformation happens. God invites/calls the individual to take off his sandals and come close to him. The act of taking of the sandals presents the invitation of the formation to unload the unnecessary baggage, to center one’s attention to the process and demands of seminary formation. Here in this place, the stories begin and end in some point…a journey, which many would claim a blessed opportunity. Again, I consider the seminary as [“a holy ground”, is the place where transformation of oneself begins], from which, the different phases and faces of formation allows the formandi to encounter Christ along the process of the journey.

A. Realities:

Specifically, St. Joseph Regional Seminary is a place where the future priests of the region under different Arch/dioceses are formed. Contrivance with the program patterned on the Up-dated Program for Priestly Formation (UPPPF) and Postores dabo vobis as its references, this project and expects from the individual to become “an integrated person, a contemplative pastor, apostolic proclaimer, and to be Christ centered”. Hence, the seminary is equipped with appropriate tools in the different aspects of the formation program; designated qualified Priests to oversee and to make this mission vision of formation to move toward its complete realization.

Basically, the seminary is composed of formators headed by the Rector, Priest formators, Personnel and Seminarians under different Arch/dioceses from Romblon, Kalibo, Jaro, Palawan, Antique and Bacolod.

B. Structure/ Facilities (buildings and environment):

1. Others would tell that seminarians of St. Joseph Regional seminary are unlucky compared to others in different seminaries. Although that this statement is true, in a sense, however, I beg to disagree. Although that the facilities and formation programs are not the same as other seminaries have, but this, I believe is the uniqueness and the identity of St. Joseph Regional Seminary. In my own reflection, this is not a form of deprivation or being unlucky, but this teaches the seminarians to become sensitive to the given realities. Although the seminary have not much sophisticated facilities, but produces quality priests with pastoral zeal, which embodies the being “Alter Christus”.

2. Moreover, in my reflection, the seminary exemplifies the characteristic of St. Joseph, who is a simple and a humble Carpenter of their time. The building and in every corner, speaks of the holiness of the place. Here, silence and enclosure is practiced, the environment gives the impression and the feeling of being at home, in solitude and in prayer. Here, brotherhood is enjoyed by everyone (which I believe is the same with other seminaries), and that, intimacy and true brotherhood is witnessed. Facilities are all important today, especially with the advancement of technology, however, this is just (in my own point of view) secondary to what really is essential. Formation is defined by the formation program and the willingness of the seminarians to take part. Hence, seminarians are not deprived in the sense, but challenge to live a life after the example of St. Joseph, who is a humble, a silent worker and a simple carpenter, who became the father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. Thus, these realities in this regard must be seen under this concept of seeing things.

C. Formation Program:

1. Formation Program is the compass of the community in formation. This helps the individual to live his life in accordance to the demands of formation, to grow and to become matures, holistic person in the end. Formation program must be owned by the individual for them to become effective along the process of the journey. St. Joseph regional seminary envisions that seminarian must acquire and imbibe the characteristics of being an integrated person, a contemplative pastor, apostolic proclaimer, and to be Christ centered. Through this formation programs offered in the different aspects guide the seminarians to cultivate his “persona”. Formation program would lead seminarians to fully realize the meaning of priesthood and its responsibility.

2. The formation program gives many windows to the individual to maximize all of his potentials, to grow internally – with the community. This, I consider as a stream where transformation and growth transpires. In this case, the formation programs of the seminary allow the individual to see and understand his “being Human”, and at the same time, view things in the perspective of God. Thus this requires each one to have that leap of faith, a very vital element in the process of formation, thus, requires every one of active participation and total owning of it. I mentioned this facts and outlook of mine in relation to the seminary formation, since I, too, has been a witness of these. Since, I am just in the primary stage of Theology formation, faith and trust to the formation program is a must. It is “believing” that formation program as a “compass”, will provide something good in the future. Hence, everything begins in small things, in simple things that the individual can encounter along the process of formation. Formation program defines and gives meaning on these bits of ordinary experiences, which would help the individual to grow along the process, in every chapter of seminary life. Thus, Formation Program plays a vital role in formation.

D. Formators:

1. The Formators are the ones’ delegated by the task of overseeing the process of priestly formation, in every aspect in as much as the realization of the formation program is concerned. Specifically, they are priest/s called and delegated by the Archbishop with his council to look after and administer the process of formation, and guide seminarians to attain and fully actualize ones’ self, to attain growth in every aspect of seminary formation. They help form and prepare the formandi to become equipped so as to become effective pastors of the church, the people of God.

2. From this responsibility attached as ordered by the bishop, each unique characteristics and principles, although varies, yet molded into one, which adds-on to the flavor to the process of the seminary formation. Seminarians themselves find inspiration and motivation to the life and “witnessing” of the formators, which in the process help the seminarians to grow mature. In this, in my personal opinion, that every formandi must realize, that the “voice of the formators is the voice of God”, in which, the formators projects the ideals and virtues necessary to live a life as a priest of God, and as servants for his vineyard. Thus, priest-formators played the vital role, in collaboration to the council of elders to make the formation as effective as possible. In the end, seminary formation is a collaboration of efforts of the members of the community in realization of the objectives of the seminary formation.

E. Personnel:

1. The personnel are the ones’ who are assisting the seminarians in the daily life in the seminary. They are partners in the tasks and responsibilities of maintaining the cleanliness and order of the seminary. Basically, the personnel belong to the community, as part and with the community. They also play important role, such as, preparing the food and the place of the seminarians, doing marketing and looking after for the cleanliness of the places in the seminary.

2. They must not be alienated in all community activities, for they too are part of it. For instance, seminary personnel also belong to the different FC’s of the community. Thus, this simply signifies that they are in/with the community.

3. The seminarians also look after the spiritual aspect of the personnel by providing and initiating their gathering, in prayer and bible sharing every Tuesday after dinner. These shows a simple and a unique way of tending the needs of the personnel as they, too, look after for the welfare of the community in general. In over a month of stay here, one observable characteristic of the personnel is that, they are welcoming and accommodating. They would ask seminarians if from diocese he belongs, tell stories of the past seminarians who already graduated. Indeed, communication and mutual understanding makes the relationship of seminarians and personnel to be smooth and authentic. Although, paradoxically, they at times a bit aloft and uneasy to approach new seminarians, yet, the interest and eagerness to know and to be known float naturally, simply signifies that willingness to build relationship with one another. Hence, because of these, community life becomes a joyous and a wonderful experience to everyone.

F. Seminarians:

We are the ones’ undergoing the formation. We are the ones who seek the essence and the meaning of our vocation through the formation program given by the seminary. Thus, we call ourselves “people in the journey”, and thus, a community. We are the community of seminarians who eat together, play, pray study and do pastoral works together. As individual called to be one in this place, trust is a vital foundation of relationship, per se.

1. It is in this, I believe, that trust must be established in every community life. Trust has been the basic foundation of the relationship here in the regional seminary. This experience was validated when the second year initiated us the freshmen. It is trust that first that has been established.

2. We the seminarians – a community, with personal orientations, values and principles in life, called to be together in this “holy ground”, a place of formation, could not avoid encountering complexities and differences, however, the call here is to embody the fraternal correction and co-formatorship.. Since, we trust every one; hence, responsible freedom is exercised. At times, reminder and fraternal correction is required if the individual who overlooked his responsibilities as a member of the community. It is in this concept that the co-formatorship is being practiced by the individual. Thus the bearer of this and must be the witnesses, are the ones’ in the higher years – to inspire the freshmen and anyone concerned to live with this values.

This I believe is the one unique characteristic of being in St. Joseph Regional Seminary. If I am to interpret this, this is perhaps the outcome of the reality in the seminary; of being intimate, at home to the place and to every member of the community. Since, we in the community, small in number, can in a way, reach out not only to our co-dioceses seminarians, or to the class alone, but with each and every one of us in the community. In my interpretation, Formative community stands on the principle of breaking these walls of regionalism as we call and individualism - but to be really a community with one common identity – seminarians of St. Joseph Regional Seminary.

G. The Seminary ambiance:

1. The ambiance of the seminary is perfect in relation to the realities of the seminary conditions. It is in this, why I have also mentioned that the seminary is a holy ground. There is the presence of solitude and peace, which (for me) the spirit can move smoothly. Perhaps, I could not explain further in detail regarding the ambiance, since it leaves me nothing to say. Perhaps, the place and its ambiance overwhelms me that no exact words I can say of the place.

2. It is nothing but a home for me…which made me so comfortable of the simplicity and elegance of the place. I could say that, the place is a factor for me to connect with the Divine Master, which in a way help me in my disposition and in my searching of meanings and essence in life. There are places here that helped me to meditate and to commune with the Divine. Take for example the trees, the beautiful sound of birds chirping, the crickets like witling at the end of the day. The place suggests silence. Thus, it is indeed a place I called home.

II. Insights and Realizations:

God knows best where a flower can blossom the most. Honestly, this is not my priority seminary. During my Philosophy days, I would usually discuss with my individual colloquium director of my preferred seminary, which I think that suet my personality. However, I was denied for three times. After years of regency, I came back to this place without really understanding the wisdom of my superior. Nevertheless, since I subject my self to my superior, “it is not my will be done, but His”. Later, I realized that God will deny my wants because He knows a better place for me to grow. It is in this that I have realized that God has his humor, which made me laugh at some point. Since I have made a commitment to God, that I’ll have him as the captain of my life, hence, I am bound to follow and become obedient unto his will.

The seminary, St. Joseph Regional Seminary was indeed a best place where God wanted me to mature, to grow in wisdom and in faith. In here I have found the bits of answers to the many questions that I have before. Now everything comes into my senses…slowly I am trying to see things not just on my physical or literal point of perspective, but trying to view things in the light of faith and in God’s perspective. God reveals himself to me in every aspect of my ordinary experiences here in my journey in the seminary. Thus, I have to believe, to have faith in my formators, my classmates, my brothers in the community, and to have faith in God; “like child who never fear nor doubt to the people around him.

III. General Feelings:

The song “Love is the answer” and “home” by Chris Daughtry reminds me of the feeling of coming and being at home. I am happy of what and where I am right now. Everything has come into my senses. I slowly begin to understand and see things in a wider perspective. Hence, I have to embrace this reality that I have right now; that I am here…thus I must remain faithful to the demands of seminary formation, to my fellow brothers in the community…to the experiences and situations that would make me grow…as my God remained faithful to me all these years. At this time, I could say, “wala nagn hahanapin pang iba”. Henceforth, I submit my self to God in my response to my formation, to own this formation and to be open and receptive to what ever or wherever the formation would bring me.

-Rhiyn-