BALIUAG, BULACAN – Here in this town, the Seminarians’ Network of the Philippines (SEMNET) gathered for its annual gathering called “Kapatiran” hosted by the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary (ICMAS) of the Diocese of Malolos. A Eucharistic celebration was held at St. Augustine Parish at the town center presided by Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales with members of the Seminary Formation Team led by ICMAS Rector Fr. Emmanuel I. Cruz and formators of member-seminaries as concelebrants. In his homily, Rosales pointed out the value of the spiritual life in light of Pastores Dabo Vobis, a testament of vocation for priests and seminarians from then until now. He stressed that, “Priests and seminarians should mirror and share the goodness of God. Remember, you will be judged by that.” He reiterated that we can only imitate the goodness of God through understanding. He said, God gives us understanding because it allows us to be able to freely respond to His call to mirror His goodness to people. It is as if God is telling you: ‘You have to repeat my goodness to people'”. He also appealed for seminarians to be witnesses to suffering. He said, “God knows we are weak. God knows we are sinful. Yet are we willing to submit ourselves to pHim? Are we ready to be humiliated in God’s presence? We should experience humiliation because that is the Cross. That is why asceticism is needed among priests today. Sacrifice and self-control therefore is essential.” The SEMNET, founded in 1991 is celebraring 27 years of its commitment to being “Diverse in Charism, United in Mission”. According to its profile, this organization of diocesan seminaries in the Philippines aims “to unite students of theology preparing for the priesthood in reflecting the socio-political situations affecting the country, engaging in relevant programs and activities to promote Gospel values and integral human developement and sharing insights to facilitate integral formation of seminarians in theology.” (Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban)
