A Marian Devotion of CY1 Seminarians

The Davao Seminarians in Configuration Year 1 or “CY1” (known before as Pre-Theology Year or “PTY”) initiated an activity to celebrate and continue the feast of their batch patroness in the College Seminary with the title, Mary, Ina Poonbato (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage).

The feast was celebrated last January 26 at the CY1 building around 2:00 PM. They welcomed their former batchmates from Davao, Digos, and Mati, their college professors, religious brothers, and their friends. They had also invited the devotees of Ina Poonbato headed by Mr. Kit and Mrs. Belle Castillo and felt blessed with their presence.

Seminarians have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as they say. Yet, they chose the title Ina Poonbato to become their inspiration and guide in this journey. The original image was miraculously founded in Botolan, Zambales. In 1985, at St. Peter Square Vatican City, Rome, the image was blessed by the late Pope John Paul II.

During the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, Rev. Fr. Orlando Angelia (St. Francis Xavier College Seminary Rector) presided over the mass. In his homily, he pointed out that if there is a person very connected to God that is Mary. All throughout her life was inspired with the Word of God. She even bears that Living Word until heavens she is very close to that same Word, who is Jesus. And as followers, that they may live according to that Word that gives life.

After the mass, Mr. Kit Castillo, the founder of Ina Poonbato in Davao City, inspired them through his message. He emphasized the value of prayer. He said that through prayer they remain steadfast. For twenty-five (25) years of the devotion of the “Ina Poonbato in Davao City, they still hold on the prayer, and they encouraged them to do the same. (Sem. Harold Jhon Gimeno)