Opening Salvo of the T1 Orientation Days

On 24 May, 17 out of the 38 first year theologians (that the Seminary accepted) came. The first day was spent cleaning up their rooms and the community areas. In the evening, as an opening salvo, a COFFEE BREAK was celebrated as an informal welcome to the new group. In the classic tradition of Vianney cuisine, "halang-halang nga manok Bisaya" was prepared by one of the first year theologians, Jon Gomez, from Tandag, assisted by the ever-dependable Kuyas, Alvin and Lino. The halang-halang was such a hit that there was a a planned encore the next everning! Of course, we were just very glad to welcome our new brothers, and we hope that indeed they will find a new home in SJVTS who is at the threshold of its Silver Jubilee.

White Water Rafting Despedida for Fr. Norlan 25 May 09

To symbolize Fr. Norlan's exodus from Vianney and his entrance into the Land of the Brits,
a white water rafting escapade was organized on 25 May, the day before his departure. The
incoming 4th year also joined the adventure in conclusion of their Priestly Integration Seminar.
Fr. Angel would have liked to brave the rapids of CDO River but his knees got the better of him.
The 3-hour adventure was unforgettable and exhilarating and was capped with a delectable lunch to the tune of chicken barbecue, prawns and swordfish!
Bon Voyage, Fr. Norlan! Thank you very much for all that you have been to Vianney. It will never be the same without you. Who knows you shall come back with an even richer life to share and on a higher pedestal! Remember us when you shall have crossed over the London Bridge and into the Buckingham Palace! Why not? (with British accent on the "not"!)

T4 & Formators' Dinner with Inday Lavina 22 May

As a fitting conclusion to the T4 Priestly Integration Seminar, a special dinner was tendered by Mrs. Inday Lavina, a member of Fr. Manol's Bible Study Group. The venue was Hotel Ramon in Divisoria, a hotel owned by the host. The group was served delicious barbecue, pancit, mixed vegetables, sweets, etc. Our deepest gratitude to Inday not only for the sumptuous meal but also, and above all, for the warm and gracious hospitality.

VIANNEY AT 25: SILVER LININGS

To All Our Dear Alumni, Past Formators, Benefactors and Friends:

This is an anticipated announcement of the upcoming celebration of the SILVER JUBILEE of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in 2010. Grateful to God and everyone who has supported it through its 25 years of forming shepherds for Mindanao, Bohol, and beyond, we dedicate a full year of celebration starting with its soft launching on August 4, 2009 on the Feast of St. John Mary Vianney.
Already, a fund-raising scheme dubbed "Project 25 for 25" is underway to raise P25M in Trust Fund for the 25 years of the Seminary's existence. To highlight this campaign, a Benefactors' Mural has already been erected at the lobby of the Admin Building (see related blog pages in March 2009). The fund envisions to support seminarians in formation in perpetuity. Three categories of donors are set: a) "benefactors"- for those who donate P1M and above; b) "sponsors"- for those who donate from P500,000 to below P1m; and c) "patrons" - for those who donate from P100,000 to below P500,000. Solicitation leaflets or brochures are available at the Secretaria upon request.
Moreover, some 25 events have been lined-up to provide color and accent to the year-long celebration. We are, therefore, calling on all our alumni, benefactors and friends to join us both in our preparatory events and in the celebrations themselves. Details on how to join or take part will be posted in this blog soon. Please let us know, too, if you have suggestions on how we can make our Silver Jubilee celebration more meaningful.
Let us express together our gratitude to God for Vianney's 25 years: for making us who we are today... despite her imperfections. Let us work together to keep this Seminary financially stable and dynamic and faithful in her vision of priestly formation. Daghang salamat. Mabuhay ang Vianney, mabuhay and mga Viannista!

Fr. Renato Repole, S.J., Rector

New Rules and Policies re Computers at SJVTS

Dear Seminarians,

By now, most, if not all, of you may have already heard or read the new rules and policies re use of computers in the Seminary. In case you haven't, they are summarized here for your information and guidance. Having reviewed our present practice and having inquired from other seminaries re their own policies in the use of computers, we, your formators have decided on the following : starting this SY 2009-2010,

a) all computers, laptop or desk, personal or communal, are to be placed and used only in a common room in every building. Hence, use of computers in the individual rooms is no longer allowed.

b) no internet connection is allowed in the common room either from regular connection or wireless (WIFI, SMARTBRO, etc.). Internet access can only be had in the library or outside when you go out.

c) Laptops are discouraged in the Seminary. Aside from the fact that it is still expensive for seminarians, in general, it does highlight inequality among seminarians and can even become a status symbol. However, those who have them already, may still bring them to the seminary subject to the new rules.

d) At the start of the School Year (as soon as you arrive), please declare to your building moderators if you brought a laptop with you.

e) the other existing policies (e.g., re viewing of films, computer games, etc.) still hold true.

Rest assured that if we have made the rules stricter, it is never simply for the sake of restriction; it is to keep you from being distracted even more, given that cellphones (which are allowed in the Seminary) are already posing some distraction.

Thank you very much for your cooperation. Enjoy the rest of summer break and see you soon!

Father Rector

Vianney in Summer

Have you ever been in Vianney at summer time? Aside from the fact that it is very quiet (some find it rather scary!), you will notice very colorful and interesting details especially in its plants and surroundings. Here are some glimpses of Vianney in Summer.

Fr. Manol's Birthday - 01 May

On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Fr. Manol celebrates his (ehem...) 43rd birthday.
The Seminary fathers with some of Fr. Manol's flock from BLD were invited to an elegant and superb dinner
at the Ortigas' Residence by the river. It was a lovely evening of thanksgiving and togetherness, a celebration of life and friendships.
We thank Tita Mitos and Tito Ruel for their usual warm and kind hospitality. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FR. MANOL!