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Last October 11 -12, 2008, seminarians from the Diocese of Cagayan, Butuan , Tandag and Malaybalay with their rectors and seminary staff came to Surigao City to join the 3rd CABUSTAM Inter-Diocesan College Seminary Assembly held at Pastoral Center, Villa San Miguel. It was hosted by the Maradjao Magbalantay College Seminary with the theme:

“My Vocation: my light, my love”,

The high light of the said event was the sports fest which was actively participated by the seminarians of the different seminaries in CABUSTAM. In the evening of October 12, there was a program where the seminarians show cased their talents in dancing, acting, and of course in singing. A disco took place after the program with a live band that made the event more enjoyable and unforgettable.

This kind of event will take place every year according to the Seminary Formators. The purpose of this is to promote friendship, bonding, and camaraderie among future priests and servant leaders.

Congratulations to Formators and Seminarians of CABUSTAM..!

San Jose de Mindanao Seminarians      Pope John XXIII Seminarians

Saint Peter Seminarians      Maradjao Magbalantay Seminarians

Author

When I was a child, I really did not have any attraction to this vocation until my brother decided to enter the Maradjao Magbalantay College Seminary. Since our house is far from the seminary my mother and I often visited my brother once or twice a month. It was only then that I started to have ideas of what it is to be in the seminary. I found it nice seeing the seminarians’ lifestyle, like praying, playing, studying, mingling with other, and many more. I sensed a different kind of atmosphere and aura in the seminary. It was very inviting,
The time came when I finally told myself that I would like to become like my brother. I planned to enter the seminary when I am at the right age. My eagerness and desire were even heightened when I joined the altar boys in our parish. When I was already in my last year of high school, I got so excited because my plan and dream of entering the seminary would now be fulfilled. I originally planned to enter the seminary that my brother attended but God must have His own plan for me, whatever it is I am happy.

I went to Surigao City for the entrance examination, and fortunately I passed! Then in the next month I came back for the oral interview and luckily I am the one among many aspirants are recommended for having passed the oral interview. My entrance to the MMCS seminary was not easy, I experienced hindrances, but I was able to overcome them all through the help and love of God. And now as a seminarian and future servants of God’s vineyard I continue to be grateful and committed to Him for the gift of life and vocation, as well as His constant blessings. Gratitude, which has sprouted from my experience, inspires me to be joyful in all my seminary endeavors, and motivates me to surpass the challenges in following the difficult path of Jesus Christ. I may not become a Priest but at least I can find fulfillment in doing his will for me.

Author: Gun Real Omega

Author

In 1538, an expedition that was headed by Francisco de Castro, a Portuguese born Spaniard from Ternate to search for Loaisa gave birth to the most promising province in the Philippines, presently known as Surigao del Norte. A province which existence was being fought and victoriously won by brave ancestors against the Japanese fleet. A province blessed with overflowing natural resources, from land marks, aquatic treasures and minerals. A province cherished with traditions and practices and developed with norms and moral values. These are apt descriptions that would give conviction to Surigao’s Rich Cultural Heritage.
To date, many questions are being raised; some of those questions are seemed to be degrading. “Are Surigaonon’s enabled to preserve their cultural heritage? “ Are the norms and values that their ancestors valued most are being enacted well?” “Are they able to put to action their traditions and practices? Or they just left all of those behind and never care about it? These question, however are important that need not just more answers but deep reflections.
In the pace of modern living, modernization is being absorbed and lived by many people. High-technological advancement in communication, transportation, education and socio-economical realm are boosted to cater man’s material satisfaction. The question is, do these modern facts affect the preservation of our culture?
In the province of Surigao, modernization is being felt and lived by every Surigaonon’s. Needless to say, as the provinces become globally competitive, the norms, values, traditions, and practices or simply its culture is gradually lost. Very alarming, isn’t it?

As proofs, many Surigaonon’s engaged in hi-fi world fashions – cell phones, computers, internet, media and etc. that caused the isolation of their norms. Such as, instead of asking permission to their parents personally, they prefer to use cell phones as a vehicle of asking permission. In addition, they are using cell phones to express their feelings for someone which is apparently horrifying. They forgot the essence of courting women through sweat welling efforts in showing their love. These proofs are not just proofs to be reflected on but proofs that must be given emphasis and aidful actions.
Preserving our culture is one of our patriotic tasks. We must value every piece of its facts and must be given high regard. Through this, we will be reawakening our sense of history and reform the spirit that moved our ancestors to dream of freedom and right for it. The torch is now being pasted to us, to do our share in achieving the vision of the province which is, “ A prosperous, progressive and truly self-reliant province where all sectors of society – the farmers, fishermen, laborers, professionals, entrepreneurs, the youth and those in government work together as one.” Forward we go….