November 27, 2022. The highlight of the Holy Infant Seminary’s celebration of the Vocation Month is the simple yet solemn investiture of 9 seminarians that took place this afternoon during the 4pm mass at the Sto. Nino Parish Cathedral. Most Rev. Ronald Lunas, STL D.D. officiated this important rite of passage whereby the seminarians put on the cassocks for the first time as an outward sign of God’s love for the world as they follow the footsteps of Jesus in their vocation to the priesthood. Several priests came to witness the investiture and to concelebrate with the bishop.
In his homily, Bishop Bong highlighted the importance of preparing for the coming of the Lord as we begin the 1st Week of Advent. He invited the people to wear Christ in their lives every day. Likewise, the cassock for the seminarians is a symbol of Christ in the world with the Roman collar signifying obedience, chastity for the belt and poverty for the sotana itself as a symbol of poverty. To wear Christ signifies a life of union with the mind, heart and actions of Jesus in which we are all called to live out especially for these young seminarians who are invited to walk the extra mile in the following of Jesus.
Let us pray for these young men namely: Sem. Jovelle Abello, Sem. Steve Rey Fernandez, Sem. Christian Canillas, Sem. Niel Bryan Macaambac, Sem. Jude Rafael Rosete, Sem. Earl Christian Tamayo, Sem. Carlo Onggay Sem. Nelson Dagooc and Sem. Efren Rey Genobesa. May they grow in their love for God and in their desire to serve God’s people as they continue to discern their vocation to the priesthood in the Diocese of Pagadian.
We also pray for their formators, Rev. Fr. Michael Cabellon and Rev. Fr. Gilbert Lungay so they may continue to guide and accompany the young seminarians with faith, joy and hope during their years of initial formation at the Holy Infant Seminary.
