XACOSE celebrates alumni homecoming

One hundred forty five (145) former seminarians gathered at the Saint Francis Xavier College Seminary (XACOSE) in celebration of the annual alumni homecoming, last November 30, 2016.

With the theme, “One with Christ, one with the Church”, former seminarians reminisce their memories of their seminary years with laughter and fellowship.

“You have taken me away from seminary, but you cannot take seminary away from me!” quoted Sisoy Kintanar who hosted the entire alumni program.

The whole day alumni celebration was started with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Msgr. Edgar V. Rodriguez and was concelebrated by seven priests, all graduates from XACOSE.

Msgr. Rodriguez, being the oldest alumnus of XACOSE, keynoted, “By the grace of God, I am what I am”. He also recalled being one among the first batch who entered XACOSE in 1957, and one among the first batch also who entered REMASE in 1964. He was ordained priest in 1966 and he celebrated his golden sacerdotal anniversary last May 1, 2016.

During the program proper, former seminarians paid tribute to the late Rolando Acido who was murdered last October 26. Acido used to be very active in alumni activities in the past. His daughter Genevieve, an architect student, participated the homecoming.

The alumni homecoming was also participated by Bong Almonte, Secretary General of the Philippine Alliance of Ex-Seminarians (PAX) who came all the way from Manila to join the celebration.

Kintanar was elected as President of Association of Former Seminarians of XACOSE, while Randy Albores, the Vice President. Dodong Ocon was the Secretary, while Geoffrey Igagamao, the Treasurer. Armand Sedentario was elected as PIO and Chuck Pangilinan, the Business Manager.

The newly elected officers took their pledge of office administered by Manuel Roldan, former Labor Attaché to Riyadh, Rome and Hong Kong. “It’s nice to be back to the place where I spent my high school years,” recalled Roldan. (Vonz Hijada, OLLP SoCCom; Photos: Al Divinagracia, SUGID-Digos)