‘They too are part of seminary formation’

Seminarians learn not only in the seminary but also outside the classroom walls.

This is the result of the different immersion that the seminarians of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary have been into—they do not only learn from books but also the life of people in different areas of apostolate.

Their immersion was culminated with the celebration of the Pastoral Day 2018 last February 25 with Msgr. Editho Baño, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Mati as presider of the Holy Mass.

“The people are part of forming seminarians to become priests. We have a lot of things to learn from them,” said Msgr. Baño in his homily in the opening liturgy.

“They are part of our formation,” he added.

DIFFERENT FAITH, ONE GOD

Theology 4 seminarians have experienced living in the different Muslim communities in Davao City as part of their exposure in interreligious dialogue.

REMASE has partnered with the Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue (ACEID) wherein the seminarians were sent to live for five days in the houses of Muslim families.

Fr. Pedro Lamata, ACEID Director said that he hopes that the number of days of stay will be increased.

Alim Eldio Gulisan from the Muslim community in Sasa, Davao City said the seminarians and the Muslims have learned to appreciate their differences and learn from each other’s beliefs.

He added that young people have learned to become more open to dialogue with people from different faith—that Muslims don’t think anymore that Christians come to their area to convert them to Christianity.

For Fr. Warren Maratas, acting Vice-Rector of REMASE Professor, the immersion of seminarians have prepared them in their future ministry in the parish or other areas of apostolate.

He added that this will help them counter the prejudices and biases that Muslims and Christians have with one another, saying that the immersion has created friendship and deepened their relationship with one another.

“We have become one community who believe in one God,” he said.

Seminarians from different year level also had their culmination of exposure in the different centers, GKKs and parishes. (Photos by Brenda Milan)