Seminary invokes help of Holy Spirit for new school year

As they begin the school year that marks their golden existence, the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary invokes the help of the Holy Spirit in their journey.

Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, concelebrated by the formators and some clergy of Davao, officiated the Holy Eucharist, June 16 at the REMASE Chapel.

During his homily, Archbishop Valles highlighted the role of the spirit in reconciliation and in building up of the community of REMASE.

Reflecting on the readings used during the mass, he said that invoking the Holy Spirt brings a sense of newness that they can capture everyday.

He added that ministry aided by the Spirit brings a sense of being one, taking away barriers.

“When we are built up, the community is also blessed,” he said.

Archbishop Valles also said the Holy Spirit will build them up as one community, adding: “We will be built not only as individuals but as one community.”

The archbishop also touched about the giftedness of every individual, saying those gifts are for the community and not only for oneself. He added those gifts are for the Church that makes one forget oneself.

“Your name will be forgotten. What will be built up is REMASE,” the archbishop quipped.

The archbishop also said that in times of discouragement, the Holy Spirit will give the power to forgive and the power to reconcile.

Being an alumnus of REMASE, the archbishop facilitated the retreat of the seminarians last June 8 to 13 before the start of the formal classes of the school year.

Msgr. Abel Apigo, rector of REMASE presented to the archbishop and the congregation the total of 125 resident seminarians from Pre-Theology Year up to Theology 4 and also 12 from the religious communities.

“We open the school year with the Holy Spirit Mass, asking the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us. This is extra-special for us since we celebrate our golden jubilee celebration,” Msgr. Apigo said.

The REMASE community ended the celebration with the traditional picture-taking inside their new covered court as their souvenir photo to be displayed later in the walls of the seminary. (@johnfrancesf)