REMASE Remembers Mother Nature

The St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (commonly known as REMASE) conducted a tree planting activity last August 31, 2013 in view of its 50th Golden Jubilee Year next year. The said activity was held in Buhangin District, Davao City with its theme, “REMASE @50: We Care, We Plant”. It was participated by the seminary formators, staff and seminarians.

The activity began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Msgr. Abel C. Apigo, the rector of the seminary, in the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Rosary. Msgr. Apigo stressed in his homily that everyone should think globally, act locally. He furthermore emphasized that as the seminary comes to its 50th year of existence, together with the missionaries who gave themselves holistically in their mission, everyone too, should do the same. Remembering Mother Nature is one example of this. Everyone has a responsibility in taking care the environment by maximizing God’s given talents. In tree planting, a mission has been fulfilled. Though, an ordinary and local action to think of but as to its effect, it benefits the whole world.

After the Mass, the participants proceeded immediately to the site. The place is vast but has nothing except weeds and few coconut trees. Upon arriving, the participants prepared themselves for the activity proper. But before which, the rubber seedlings were blest by Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa and followed by a short demonstration and instruction on the proper way of planting seedlings given by Sir Ian, a representative from the Department of Agriculture. Excited, the participants brought with them seedlings weighing two (2) kilograms each. Every participant planted two seedlings with name tags attached to them. The name tag signifies belongingness. What they have planted is not anymore mere objects per se but extensions of their life as stewards of God’s creation.

Everyone rejoices for this magnificent act, as the REMASE jubilantly celebrates its Golden Year anniversary. It has been 50 years; still REMASE will surely continue its journey full of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Sem. Joe Carl Castillo