Metro Xavier Fiesta 2025: Walking as Pilgrims of Hope with Saint Francis Xavier

In the midst of uncertain times in the nation, when many Filipinos continue to struggle with corruption, economic hardship, and the erosion of public trust, the Metro Xavier Fiesta 2025, held on December 1–3, served as a timely reminder of where real hope is found.

This year’s celebration carried the guiding theme: “San Francisco Javier: Modelo sa Paglaum, Instrumento sa Paghigugma sa Katilingban nga Nagkahiusa,” the annual gathering that brought together the different Metro Xavier communities in prayer, celebration, and mission. Participating were the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (ReMaSe), St. Francis Xavier College Seminary of Davao (XACOSE), St. Francis Xavier Propedeutic Year, and religious communities such as the Marian Fathers, Apostles of Jesus Crucified (AJC), Order of Saint Benedict (OSB), Society of Divine Vocations (SDV), and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

This year’s fiesta took on deeper significance as it coincided with the great Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. Inspired by the missionary example of St. Francis Xavier, the celebration called the Metro Xavier Communities to embrace hope as a model for their own vocation and to act as instruments of love in a world that often struggles with division, injustice, and corruption. Over the course of the three-day event, the spirit of the theme was brought to life through a series of prepared activities.

Hope Sent on Mission

The fiesta formally opened on December 1 with the Rite of Sending Forth of the Reliquary of St. Francis Xavier, followed by a solemn procession that illuminated the streets with candlelight as it moved from the Society of Divine Vocations (SDV) to the XACOSE Chapel, accompanied by the relic of St. Francis Xavier and an image of the Blessed Mother. The Opening Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jeus P. Jardin, Rector of XACOSE.

A Community of Hope

On December 2, the competitive yet joyful side of the fiesta came alive through the sports cup activities, where teams were mixed across different communities and organized by colors. Each game was an opportunity not only to compete, but to strengthen bonds as brothers in formation, and friendly competition deepened their unity as one Metro Xavier family. In the evening, the community came together for Solemn Vespers, presided over by Fr. Bruno Genilla, followed by the one of the highlights of Metro Xavier Fiesta Celebration, the Socio-Cultural Night which was held at the Dennis A. Uy SFX–ReMaSe Gymnasium. Through songs, dances, and performances, the seminarians shared a message of hope: despite the challenges facing the country and the world today, Jesus remains our hope, and each one is called to be an icon of that hope.

A Model of Hope

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3 began with Solemn Lauds, presided over by Rev. Roldan Baliano. The highlight of the day’s celebration was the Solemn Pontifical Mass held at the ReMaSe Chapel, presided by Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., Bishop of Digos and concelebrated by several priests. Bishop Afable reminded the faithful in his homily, saying, “Wherever you are, there your mission is.” Inspired by the missionary journey of St. Francis Xavier, his words invited the faithful to reflect on how mission is lived: not only in extraordinary moments, but also in the everyday places and roles they occupy. It was a gentle reminder to carry hope and bear witness to Christ in daily life. The celebration continued with the Cheering and Yells Competition, invitational games, and a shared community lunch, where the spirit of camaraderie and fraternity filled the air. One of the most meaningful moments of the fiesta was the launching of the 70th Founding Anniversary of the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary of Davao. The evening ended with a joint dinner and awarding ceremony.

As the Metro Xavier Fiesta 2025 came to a close, we carry in our hearts that: hope is alive, and it calls us to action. Jesus remains our hope, St. Francis Xavier stands as our model, and each of us is invited to follow their example: to be living icons of hope in our families, communities, and society. In a nation yearning for accountability and renewal, the challenge is: wherever we are, there our mission begins, and there hope must be lived. (Sem. Pio Angelo R. Bañez | Photos: St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao FB)