For A Three-Point Shot? Why not!

The Configuration Year Five (CY5) seminarians of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (ReMaSe) had a Basketball Match as a Thanksgiving and Culmination activity (versus the Archdiocesan Clergy of Davao) last Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Parish, Mintal, Davao City. This match epitomized the heartfelt gratitude of the seminarians who were exposed to the different parishes of the Archdiocese from the beginning of their parish exposure until its one-week finale. Seven (7) priests, three (3) pre-deacons, one (1) former player from the PBA Tanduay Team, and eleven (11) graduating seminarians joined the said game. The seminarians were accompanied by their priest formators Rev. Fr. Ronald Arcillas, their Pastoral Director, and Rev. Fr. Rene Ribac, the Dean of Seminarians.

Few truly cannot comprehend the hows and whys of playing basketball. But a lot of people can observe that basketball has always been the favorite sport of many seminarians, pre-deacons, and priests alike. It is where they can express themselves, surge, and divert their attention from the strains of seminary formation and other activities. Beyond the stress, I aspired to convey that a 3-point shot is to be pondered seriously; this shot necessitates health, vocation, and brotherhood. Undeniably, it is always good to see that priests maintain their well-being and condition, for there are a lot of far-flung places and GKKs to be preached at and visited. Second, basketball is helping seminarians and priests to focus with determination and willpower on the pearl of great price: the call from God to become a pastor of His church. Third, by playing the game, both priests and seminarians relate and communicate as brothers inside and outside the court, showing that even though they compete, friendship and camaraderie are still sustained and retained.

As I was observing the game that afternoon, though they consumed almost two (2) hours just for playing basketball, both teams haven’t shown any sluggish moments at all. The rain of three-point shots was so evident that both teams enjoyed the moment. As the game approached its end, a few things happened: scores were so tensed, shoes were so ear splitting, dampness was perceived, and camaraderie as brothers was apparent!

The young, energetic seminarians have seemingly outstripped the strength and prowess of the priests based on the beginning play, but still, the Clergy of Davao won the game with a total result of one hundred (100) points against ninety-four (94) points for the CY5 seminarians. After the game, both teams were served sumptuous dinner inside the parish rectory, and afterward, they expressed their gratitude and said goodbye to Rev. Fr. Johnny A. Autida, parish priest of the said basketball game venue. Both teams ask for prayers from the faithful for more vocation, perseverance, and commitment to the priesthood. (Sem. Bon Ivan Mark Tabalbag | Diocese of Butuan)