New Theologians, Modern Day Apostles

Joy and pride filled the air during the graduation day the Ignatian Institute of Religious Education Foundation (IRREF), April 10 at the Sacred Heart Parish, Bo. Obrero, Davao City.

The students from various levels of theological formation celebrated their completion together with their mentors, administrators, loved ones, parish priests, and the archbishop himself, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles D.D. The graduates received their Apostolic Sending Forth. Concelebrants were Fr. Pete Lamata, Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, and Fr. Perseus Gonzales, PhD.

The Archbishop told that the graduates were blessed to have their graduation during the octave of the Easter Season. He also told the graduates that they are fortunate because they already had the knowledge, but still they must experience the Gospel themselves, so that when they preach, they can show the “colors and shapes of the Gospel.”

The sending forth and awarding of certificate followed. All went to Holy Cross of Davao College for a fellowship lunch after the Mass.

“This is a mission for IIREF graduates, to become the future formators of our Church,” Prof. Alvin Olaer said.

The graduates, filled with the Holy Spirit, start to embark another chapter of life as modern day apostles. (Christian Coronado)