To mark the 30th Year of the Foundation of St. Paul Seminary in Silang, Cavite, the Silang community organized a three-day “Balik-Seminaryo” or Alumni Homecoming of those who have studied in St. Paul Seminary in Makati and later when it transferred to Silang. The event was spearheaded by the coordinating group of St. Paul Seminary Alumni Association, Inc. (SPSAAI) in tandem with Fr. Leopoldo Botavara III, Local Superior of Silang, and Fr. Norman Peña, Rector of St. Paul Seminary.
The theme of the gathering was “Let yourselves be transformed, renewing your way of thinking” (Rom 12: 2)” which was also the theme of the 11th SSP General Chapter. The topic was developed by Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP in his conference on June 8.
In their welcome and introductory addresses, Fr. Botavara and Alan Mercader, President of SPSAAI, underlined the spirit of solidarity and fraternity that binds those who have passed years in the seminary. The “Tatak Paolino” (Pauline character) manifested in apostolate, study, piety, and sense of responsibility gained in the formation years has helped the alumni to be successful in their chosen fields. This makes the seminary homecoming an expression of gratitude and a renewal of belonginess.
Fr. Anthony Capirayan and Fr. Norman Peña were the main presiders at the concelebrated Mass in the evening of June 7 and 8. They recalled their seminary experiences shared by companions in the journey. Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite welcomed everyone at evening dinner of June 7 and spoke of the light to be reflected by everyone, as in the case of the candlelight in Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Israel, that he had visited.
The three-day event was made most memorable by the encounter of those who have not met for a long time, by the sharing and updating of experiences, and most of all by fellowship socials—drinks, dancing, karaoke singing, dancing—after dinner that for some lasted until the wee hours of the morning. On the second night, a band was hired for entertainment and for accompanying those who belted out songs.
More than 100 alumni have registered, some dropping by in early evening to be able to be with “old friends” from way back in seminary years. So much gratitude is owed to the SPSAAI Coordinating Group and the Silang community (formators and some seminarians who have postponed their vacation) for organizing such an unforgettable event.
