CDO Clergy and SJVTS at Testimonial Dinner

Organized by the Prayer for Priests Movement headed by Mrs. Tess Ledesma, the Archbishop's sister-in-law, a testimonial dinner was tendered for the clergy of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro at the Clubhouse of North Greenhills, San Juan, MM, at the conclusion of the 2nd Clergy Congress on 29 Jan 2010. Attendance among the lay hosts included Sen. Franklin Drilon, Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, Mrs. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., Amb. Howard Dee, Ambassador Vera, and many others. Part of the intention of the dinner was to raise funds for the Silver Jubilee of SJVTS with its Project 25 for 25. Two videos were presented (Diamond Jubilee of CDO as diocese and SJVTS at 25) at the end of which the clergy sang two songs, Maria, Bitoon sa Ebanghelisasyon and He Ain't Heavy... If only to have a chance to rub elbows with some of the elite of Manila, thus learning how to deal with such groups, the dinner was already a success.

SJVTS Community at the 2nd National Clergy Congress

In solidarity with the rest of the clergy and religious, the Vianney formators attended the 2nd Congress/Retreat for the Clergy from 25 to 29 January 2010 at the World Trade Center, Manila. According to reports the attendance was about 5,500, almost doubling that of the first congress 6 years ago. As the first Congress was, this second one was also very enriching and invigorating for the clergy. The retreat master was no less than the Papal preacher during Pope John Paul's time, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap. He was also joined by H. E. the Most Reverend Luis Antonio "Chito" Tagle, D.D., Bishop of Imus. The participants said that the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood alone would be sufficient reason for calling the gathering a big success. It was indeed the work of the Holy Spirit which was the primary focus or the running theme of the points given. Some fotos and videos.

Fr. Angel Antonio's 84th Birthday, Jan 26, '10

The Psalms say, " 70 years is all we have, 80 years if we are strong..." but Fr. Tony defied this when he celebrated his 84th bday on 26 January 2010. His day was greeted by his building well-wishers (House of Assisi), followed by mass which he presided over, and, finally, a kind of surprise party tendered by the community with home-roasted lechon and other delicacies at lunch followed by a short program. The occasion was also graced by Fr. Tony's fans from XU headed by Madam Myrna Siose. That Fr. Tony was very happy that day can be seen from the fotos!

Formal Launching of Vianney's Silver Jubilee

At our general community meeting this afternoon, it was decided that the formal launching of the Silver Jubilee of the Seminary will be made on 16 March 2010. Planned activities include: a motorcade around some parts of the city, a sportsfest, blessing of the renovated sacristy and Eucharistic celebration to be presided over by the First Bishop-Elect of Vianney, Msgr. Jose "Joe" Cabantan, dinner with benefactors and alumni and a Mini-concert with a presentation of the latest video production on SJVTS.

We are, therefore, inviting alumni who are free on that date to come and join the celebration. Just send a note or text either to the secretariat or to Fr. Rector (09163939802 or 09228662531), especially if you need accommodation. Two days after that will be the Graduation Ceremonies, so those who attend the launching might just as well attend the ceremonies. Thank you very much and LONG LIVE SJVTS!

SJVTS Lost Another Son

It is with deep sadness that, as everyone might know by now, we announce the death of another beloved son of SJVTS, one of the "unang bunga" (firstfruits: 1990), REV. FR. NILO AGUIMAN (CDO) on 29 December 2009. Just a couple of months ago, in October, SJVTS mourned over the loss of Rev. Fr. Leonilo Bendoy (Tandag), the first alumnus to have died. Fr. Aguiman (47) was once a student of Fr. Rector in college at XU. He was buried only yesterday, 05 January 2010, with a large crowd accompanying him to his final resting place. May St. John Vianney intercede for him and the Good Lord grant him eternal rest as he was a faithful and hardworking servant in God's vineyard. Requiescat in pace.

Rector's New Year Message

Dear Seminarians, Alumni, Benefactors and Friends of SJVTS,

As we start another year, the Year of the Metal Tiger, I wish each one of us a good start, good health and other blessings, especially spiritual blessings. Perhaps, if there is anything that we can emulate from the tiger, it may be its determination, speed and strength. I donno if you find such qualities to be valuable but at least the positive dimensions of them. Everyone seems to be positive about 2010, perhaps having survived 2009 with all the floods and typhoons, AH1N1, and the Maguindanao massacre and perhaps also personal "disasters", in whatever form! Besides, 2009 will be remembered as the year when the Alma Mater lost two of her two sons, very young ones at that: Rev. Fr. Leonilo Bendoy (Tandag) and more recently, Rev. Fr. Nilo Aguiman (CDO). Let us continue to remember them fondly in our prayers and masses. On a more positive tone, as we already know, 2010 marks the SILVER JUBILEE of this great Seminary, and plans are underway for the "hard" opening which, as it looks now, may be postponed from its original date of January 13. Schedule is just too tight and things still have to be planned for a more meaningful opening. Just keept posted for the final schedule. Again, Happy New Year and more power, grrrr!