Seniors’
Thesis Defense
One of the
important requirements in getting hold of a degree in Sacred Theology is
thesis writing. Through this, the ICST Academic Formation Program
has started to require its graduating students to defend their thesis.
Eight candidates for the Degree Bachelor in Sacred Theology successfully
defended their thesis last February 9-13, 2009. This school year’s graduating
students are: Sem. Den Christian Iddoba, Sem. Ernesto Gonzales, Sem. Benjie
Manzano, Sem. Ambrose Monroy, Sem. Francis Ofrancia, Sem. Lloyd Sumngat,
Sem. Jojo Quesada, and Sem. John Vasquez.
CAVISA Formation
Community’s Educational Tour
Last February
13-15, 2009, the CAVISA Formation Community went to Solana, Cagayan to
pastorally immerse themselves into the experience of BEC way of living
the Church of the Poor. As discovered among the simple people of Solana,
a unique yet concrete example of BEC life, the members of the formation
community, together with some seminary personnel had come to realize that
life of the poor is the true manifestation of the Kingdom of God. Basically,
through this experience, the fruit of their reflection led them to
believe that simplicity of life and sharing the Gospel values among
individuals were the part of the realities present in the Kingdom of God.
This realization gave them the inspiration to continue heeding and living
God’s call.
Class Recollection
Class recollection
in the Immaculate Conception School of Theology is also given a privilege
to become a strong foundation of good camaraderie among the students of
each year level. This is usually celebrated annually in different places
and with different themes for spiritual conferences. This year’s class
recollection took place on February 21-22, 2009. For all the different
class levels, this class recollection is a moment of preparation especially
for the Season of Lent. This is usually the opportune time for reflection
and strengthening of spiritual life.
Acolytate
and Lectorate Installation
With the theme,
Proclaim the Good News to the Poor, twenty three 2nd year seminarians and
thirty five 1st year seminarians received, respectively, the ministry for
reader and acolyte last February 27, 2009. This solemn occasion is traditionally
celebrated in ICST community. The reader is appointed to read the Word
of God in the liturgical assembly. On the other hand, the acolyte is appointed
in order to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It has been a
great joy to witness these young men who manifest their true love to the
Word of God, and their willingness to serve Christ in the Eucharist.
The Most Rev.
Prudencio Andaya, DD, Bishop of Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, was invited
to be the Mass Presider and Homilist for such a wonderful and blessed celebration.
Community
Recollection
“To put God
at the heart of everything,” is just one of the inspiring words shared
to the seminarians by the Very Reverend Rector of ICST, Fr. John B. Habawel,
who happened to be the recollection facilitator last March 13-14, 2009.
It was so thoughtful of him to say that the most basic need of the world
today is the awareness of spiritual life. Through this concern, he was
able to guide us in valuing our religious experiences, from which the growth
of spiritual life awareness begins. This was indeed an interesting topic
that the whole seminary community tried to ponder upon during the moment
of recollection. Thus, this enabled every seminarian to understand what
it meant to live a contemplative life.
KAPIHAN
IV
The school
year 2008-2009 is over. Another year is again expected to fulfill its purpose.
With this very affirming experience, the Seminary Community has found the
reason to celebrate. This is concretely expressed by simply enjoying the
moment of Kapihan IV, of March 27, 2009.
The theme “Pammavulun”
which comes from an Ibanag term was chosen to be the theme of the said
event. This theme, which means, “to journey with” or “to accompany”, tries
to present the metaphor of a thankful year experience that ICST community
has happily lived. The journey, the camaraderie, the many facets of cultural
development, the spiritual growth, the passion for knowledge, and the religious
experiences have indeed brought to every individual the realization of
the importance of this metaphor which eventually guided them to successfully
and generously give love to their chosen vocation.
Moreover, in
this occasion it is also considered as a sign of gratefulness to give tribute
to special people who are so dearly kept in the hearts of many. Through
this, the CAVISA Formation community has intended to make part of
this event to say thanks to those special people who have truly made seminary
formation a place to encounter God’s loving presence. People who
have devotedly offered their lives in order to bring into success the meaning
of priestly vocation. People who are being called by God to explore another
opportunity for another ministerial service. In this regards, the ICST
community has become really proud of Rev. Fr. John B. Habawel, Fr. Jess
Bala, Jr., Fr. Jocson O. Ogaya, and the Fourth year class of the school
year 2008-2009, for being blessings and inspirations to all the members
of seminary community. Life has become even meaningful through all the
good things they have done. Thus, ICST is really thankful for the memories
they have shared.
