Depending on the Advocate: Holy Spirit Mass at QACS for a Fruitful Formation Year

The Queen of Apostles College Seminary (QACS) of the Diocese of Tagum opened the school year with a Holy Spirit Mass to pray for enlightenment and guidance throughout the entire year. Anticipated yearly, the distinctive Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Medil S. Aseo, bishop of Tagum and attended by the entire seminary community. This year’s Holy Spirit Mass at QACS was made even more special by the presence of both the outgoing and incoming formation teams.

Led by Reverend Father Tomas P. Avila Jr., the outgoing formators officially announced their passing of responsibilities to the newly appointed seminary fathers. This transition was symbolically accepted by Reverend Father Marlon Pates, the new seminary rector. In his speech following the presentation of the seminary community to His Excellency, Bishop Medil, Father Avila shared the significance of the date—July 22. Exactly two years ago, he had first reported to the seminary as its rector.

Reflecting on his ministry as a seminary formator, Father Avila recalled the people who had been integral to their seminary ministry: the seminarians, faculty, staff, and the seminary’s generous mission partners. For him, these individuals were gifts that made the challenges of formation lighter and more bearable. Thanking them and the bishop, Father Avila assured the seminary community, specifically the new formation team, of his prayers and continued support.

Father Marlon Pates, in his official acceptance of the seminary ministry, addressed Bishop Medil and the entire seminary community. He assured them of the new administration’s commitment to forming seminarians as future priests who embody the mind, heart, and person of Jesus Christ. This pledge signified a continuity of dedication and a renewed vigor in nurturing future leaders of the Church.

In Catholic theology, the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Most Holy Trinity, is revered as the One who animates the Holy Church and sanctifies her through His seven-fold gifts. The Holy Spirit Mass, therefore, held importance for the seminary. It was a moment for invoking the divine Spirit of Truth and Love with His guiding gifts and fruits essential for the spiritual and academic formation of the seminarians.

In his Homily, Bishop Medil highlighted the importance of building friendship and devotion to the same Creator Spirit as seminarians go through the difficult journey of formation. He said that in times of trials, the Holy Spirit would always defend and inspire just like He did at Pentecost. Guidance, renewal, and mission, he said, were graces and challenges that the Spirit imparted to the community. Addressing the new set of formators, the bishop called for emphasis on the “communal dimension of service” grounded in the context of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) and the care for our common home in Seminary formation.

As the new formation year began, the seminary community at QACS looks forward with hope and determination, drawing strength from the Holy Spirit and the shared commitment of everyone involved. The Holy Spirit Mass served as a powerful reminder of their collective journey in fides (faith), excellentia (excellence), and iudicium (discernment). (Sem. Luis Angelo G. Omila)