1st Mindanao Theology Seminarians’ Gathering

On October 11, 2024, the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (REMASE) opened its doors for the first-ever Mindanao Theology Seminarians’ Gathering (MTSG), a historic 3-day event that brought together participants from four theological seminaries across Mindanao. The gathering aimed to foster brotherhood and collaboration, strengthening ties among theological seminaries in the region. The event mirrored a mini-DCM (Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao Convention) experience, referencing the inter-diocesan gathering of priests.

The event, which ran from October 11-13, was attended by the following seminaries:

1. St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao – 102 seminarians and 9 priest-formators.
2. St. Alphonsus Theological & Mission Institute Foundation, Inc. – 27 seminarians and 1 formator.
3. St. John Vianney Theological Seminary – 25 seminarians, 5 priest-formators, and 1 lay-formator.
4. St. Mary’s Theologate – 36 seminarians and 4 priest-formators.

The gathering commenced with a solemn opening mass, presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. Archbishop of Davao, with concelebrating priest-formators from various seminaries. In his homily, Archbishop Valles highlighted two key points. First, he urged everyone to pray for the gift of seeing new things in Christ, emphasizing that future priests must possess a vision—an optimism for the Church. He encouraged them to “enter into fresh air” to breathe in renewal for the Church. His second point focused on Configuration, calling on priests and seminarians to strive to become like Christ, who continually envisions the Church’s future. He challenged them to undergo purification so that, day by day, they might grow more like Christ.

After the mass, participants shared a community dinner and enjoyed an evening of fellowship during the Socio-Cultural Night, where seminarians showcased their talents in music, dance, and other performances.

Event Highlights

The second and third days were filled with engaging activities. Here’s a look at the schedule:

Day 2: A dawn “Panaw-Duaw” to the Holy Door of San Pedro Cathedral was followed by a Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D.,, Bishop of the Diocese of Mati. The afternoon focused on sports, with games designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie among the seminarians.

Day 3: The final day concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by REMASE Rector, Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Retarto, followed by a farewell breakfast before participants headed home. In his homily, Fr. Retarto remarked, “Every choice involves rejecting things or opposing what we have chosen, but it comes with a special blessing in return, a blessing beyond our imagination.” He further encouraged the seminarians to renew their commitment to choosing everlasting life, reminding them that although God demands much, He offers much more in return.

In an interview after the mass, Sem. Algine Romano from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro reflected on the homily by Archbishop Valles. He shared that the words, “to see all things new in Christ,” resonated deeply with him and were something he would carry back to Cagayan de Oro.

This first-ever gathering was seen as a historic moment for theological seminaries in Mindanao, one that strengthened bonds among future Church leaders and will be remembered for years to come. (Sem. Jefferson Cua | Photos by Brenda P. Milan)