Homecoming: St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary celebrates alumni homecoming

The St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (REMASE) has once again celebrated the Grand Alumni Homecoming, August 13-15.

Bishops and priests who graduated in the seminary have returned to remember the past when they were still in the seminary formation.

Reflecting on the theme, “Renewed servant-leaders for the New Evangelization,” the Alumni Homecoming began with the Holy Mass officiated by alumni and former rector Bishop Abel Apigo of Mati.

“To live is to evangelize,” said Bishop Apigo in his homily.

“Let us approach the altar of the Lord (the Eucharist) asking Him to give us the grace to be open always to the promptings of the call to renewal, to be faithful servant leaders, and take the lead role in moving to 2021 penetrating the areas of the new evangelization,” Bishop Apigo said, addressing the priests, with some who were his former students.

Bishop Apigo, who served REMASE for more than 20 years, expressed his joy to be the presider of the Holy Mass months after it was announced that he would be the new bishop of Mati. It can be remembered that his appointment was announced February 11, during the Friends of REMASE gathering.

“It feels so good to be back home. Honestly, I miss home. I miss REMASE,” said Bishop Apigo.

After the Holy Mass, a welcome dinner and program was hosted for the participants coming from different dioceses in Mindanao. The batch of 2002 sponsored this year’s alumni homecoming.

On Day 2, the alumni priests listened to the talk of the speaker, Bishop Cerilo Casicas of Marbel. They also have their sharing together with fellow priests.

After the talk, the priests then participated in the different games prepared to their delight like basketball, table tennis, volleyball, among others. The awarding of prizes and recognition of golden jubilarians capped the second day.

The alumni priests then had their business meeting on the third day wherein the new sponsoring batch is assigned and other matters were discussed.

The alumni homecoming was ended with the closing Liturgy prior to their departure for their respective dioceses. (with reports from DXGN Coverage Team)