Formators' "Yellow Dinner" to Thank Pres. Cory Aquino

It sounds a little weird considering that the day was Tita Cory's funeral. But grateful and joyful over the former President's gift of herself to the Filipino people, and to celebrate her entrance into heaven, the formators decided to dine out in Panagatan with the symbolic yellow shirts (except for Fr. Abet, hehe!). Fr. Tony also had his "baptism" of hot soup when the waiter accidentally pushed the very hot soup into the trousers of the poor old gracious Fr. Tony. Something to remember Cory by, we said to him in consolation.

Feast of St. John Vianney, Instititution to Ministries

This year's celebration of the Feast of St. John Vianney becomes even more meaningful in the light of the 15oth anniversary of his death and this year being declared by the Pope as Year of Priests whose patron St. John Vianney is. Bishop Pueblos instituted the first year to the ministry of lectors and the second year to the ministry of acolytes. Our beloved benefactors and friends graced the occasion. Dinner was tendered for them in gratitude. After the meal a mini concert was staged by the seminarians, much to the surprise of their formators. It was a lovely evening of togetherness and thanksgiving.

St. Ignatius Celebration at SJVTS, July 31

This year's celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola began with the Eucharistic
Celebration at 8 am with Fr. Frank Savadera, S.J. presiding and Fr. Eric Eusebio, S.J. as homilist. After the mass, a procession was held around the Seminary. Then followed the friendship games between San Jose de Mindanao Seminary and SJVTS. The basketball game was hotly contested with the host winning in the end. The whole morning's festivities were capped with a delightful lunch at the expense of 2-3 lechons! Some souvenir photos for you.

IRON CHEF VIANNISTA - SEASON 3

An exciting and much-awaited ingredient in the integral formation of seminarians at Vianney
is the famous Iron Chef Viannista, now on its 3rd Season. Conceived and hosted by Fr. Rector,
the cookfest provides an opportunity for community building and developing creativity, not to
mention improving skills of future priests not just on the pulpit but in the kitchen! The "secret
ingredients" this year included tilapia (main dish), ampalaya (vegetable dish) and either onion,
tomato or garlic for the soup dish. Ingredients which pose a real challenge to the budding and
veteran cooks among the seminarians. This year's overall champion is the House of Galilee or
the Galileeans (Spir-Hum-Past Formation Year), followed by Lorenzo (Bldg A), Xavier (Bldg B)
and Assisi (Bldg. C). The event indeed proved to be an enjoyable and formative one. Some foto
highlights for you all.

FAREWELL TO MADAME LAUREANA SP ROSALES

She was beloved to all Viannistas and by all priests whom she knew. She was beloved to everyone as a great educator and philanthropist. Above all, she was beloved to everyone as a great mother and a woman of faith. On the night of 24 July 2009, after a period of illness, Madame Laureana Rosales went home to her Creator. For many, it was quite a shock and sad news. For she was always known to us, despite her age, as a vibrant and energetic woman, always into many things, especially helping people. For Vianney, in particular, Madam, was most beloved, not only for her financial assistance to the Seminary, but also for her motherly concern. She was always anxious about the welfare of the Seminary; always concerned that the formation of future priests is not hampered or hindered by lack of financial resources. And so, even if she was also in financial straits at times, having had many projects of her own, she never wavered in her support of the Seminary. And so, as she leaves us (interment is on Wednesday, 29 July), we shall treasure her memory as one of the pillars of the Seminary. Madam, may the Lord be gracious to pardon your shortcomings--for who does not have them?--and grant you eternal rest in the loving arms of the Father. We will surely miss you. Paalam.

Formators' Recollection in Gingoog, Jul 24-25

As part of their own spiritual formation program, the formators spent another day of recollection in a classy and cozy new resort in Magsaysay, Mis. Or. owned by the very talented and hospitable Gaga Chan. We also blessed the new resort. The RVM Sisters c/o Sr. Aida Mariano introduced us to the owner. The blessing was also honored by the presence of the Honorable Ruthie Guingona, Mayor of Gingoog City. A sumptuous lunch was tendered by the RVM Sisters at their school after the recollection. Thank you, Lord!

Fr. Norlan's Birthday Celebration

While in Manila, some of the Vianney fathers took time to treat former Vianney formator, Fr. Norlan, to a dinner. It may sound "sosyal" but we treated him to Saisaki, partly courtesy of Fr. Pops' former classmate who manages the restaurant at the SM Megamall. Our little way of thanking Fr. Norlan for what he had been to Vianney for 4 years.