St. Francis Xavier: Patron of future shepherds

Openness to influence others is one of the traits of St. Francis Xavier which inspired and moved thousands of hearts especially those who want to take the path of priesthood, to live like Christ and to serve the church spreading God’s word.

St. Francis Xavier is the patron saint of the missionaries, who devoted himself to religious service which made him spend his life tending to missions in India and Japan. St. Francis Xavier is also the patron saint of the college and regional seminaries here in Davao City.

Following the footsteps of their patron, the main mission of these seminaries is to form priests who will be the servants and ministers of the local churches in Mindanao through educating the young and preparing them to become priest to serve the church.

Despite the enthusiasm of building one’s life to become a priest, it is not easy as a piece of cake. “Yes, there a lot of challenges. Technology, family aspect, growing materialistic mentality. Though it may help, it is important, it is necessary but it is distracting the mission, wants, desire to become a priest,” Fr. Elvie Bordios, St. Francis Xavier Pre-College Seminary formator confessed.

To cope with these challenges, St. Francis Xavier Seminary conducts constant sessions in formation, counselling and spiritual directions. Addressing that these undesired circumstances do not hinder the main mission of the institution, rather, it is there to establish strength, proving that St. Francis Xavier could withstand any obstacles that could come into their midst and come out stronger than it was before.

St. Francis Xavier Seminary is not just an institution for educational purposes of the people, but, it is also the home of the future shepherds of the church, the priests that would spread the Word of God. As a way to commemorate the St. Francis Xavier’s works, an annual celebration is held.

The seminary is annually celebrating its fiesta for many years in remembrance of the life and teachings of St. Francis Xavier. This year’s 3-day celebration involves different activities such as booth making, palaro, sports and exhibition games against the Queen of Apostles College Seminary of Tagum. They will be competing in basketball and volleyball. The highlight activities are the Socio-Cultural Night and Joint Supper participated by the different members of the Xavier Community.

In accordance with the celebration, a novena, mass on the feast day, and Metro Xavier procession of the first class relic of St. Francis Xavier is observed yearly.

The passing of the relic reminds the seminarians of Saint Francis Xavier’s passion, enthusiasm, determination and mission, and its need to be instilled in the minds and the hearts of the future shepherds of the church.

Rev. Ramon Jamora, Dean of Seminarians, St. Francis Xavier College of Seminary, would like to urge the seminarians by leaving a message, “Be faithful to our mission, simply to serve.” (Sheena Rose Leteral & Christine Joy Rodriguez | HCDC Interns)