Priest to Theology grads: Apply your learnings

As seminarians have finished their years of theological formation in the seminary, it’s now time to put flesh on what they have learned.

On the occasion of the 22nd commencement exercises of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) of Mindanao, March 17, the speaker and one of the professors of the seminary said that future priests of Mindanao should apply what they have learned from their theological formation.

Fr. Gilbert Nasataya from the Archdiocese of Cotabato said the seminarians, who will be ordained soon in the priesthood should be thankful to the grace that they receive—their gift of vocation.

“Priesthood is a noble vocation. You are chosen not because you are talented, good looking or intelligent but because God loves you,” Fr. Nasataya, who spoke on this year’s theme: “Growing in Wisdom and Grace in the Eucharist.”

Fr. Nasataya said priests can only respond with gratitude for this vocation through their celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

“Celebrate the Mass as if it is your first Mass, last Mass and only Mass,” Fr. Nasataya said quoting Blessed Therese of Calcutta.

Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles, who presided over the Baccalaureate Mass before the commencement exercises said the Eucharist is the most important activity in the seminary.

Archbishop Valles said the Holy Mass will challenge them to be generous of themselves as this calls for an ‘unli-service’ on the part of the minister.

“You become a father, a shepherd of a family,” Archbishop Valles said regarding the seminarians who will be ordained to the priesthood.

March 18, 2016. 22nd Commencement Exercises of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao. Eighteen seminarians have finished their Theological Course while 20 seminarians (T3 or 3rd year) have finished their M.A. in Pastoral Ministry. Congratulations to the future priests of Mindanao.

NOT MATERIAL WEALTH

Fr. Nasataya also warned the 18 graduates of the theological course not to treat the Holy Eucharist as an income generating ministry saying some priests would ask for more mass schedule so they can receive more stipend for every mass.

He also said to be careful of the temptation of money and the desire to acquire the latest gadgets like cellphones.

“Do not ask for wealth but for a happy life. Ask for the gift of wisdom so you can distinguish good from evil,” Fr. Nasataya added.

RECTOR REMAINS

Archbishop Valles, chairman of the Bishops’ Commission of REMASE announced that the current rector, Msgr. Abel Apigo whose term ends this school year will remain for another term.

The announcement was made before the closing of the commencement exercises in the seminary.

Meanwhile, aside from the 4th year Theology students, there are 20 seminarians who finished their Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. These seminarians are in their 3rd year Theology.