The Joy in our Formation!

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Taking the words of Jesus in the Gospel, camaraderie becomes the food of community life when brothers are sharing the same friendship which Jesus’ Himself established 2000 years ago. After the long preparation for consecutive events here in Montalban- the entrance of our new novices, first religious profession and the renewal of vows- the fourth year seminarians conducted a team building activity as we prepare ourselves for the formal opening of the academic year. 

The bell rang at around 6:00 in the morning. The sunshine greeted us brightly as we saw its rays spotting the white cross at the top our seminary chapel. In our morning liturgy headed by the fourth year: Sem. Pablo, Sem. Julius, Sem. Rey and Sem. Eregie, we centralized the theme on “Peace”. We prayed for many countries experiencing war and terrorism. We became the ambassador of peace in a short while as we kneel seriously before the holy tabernacle.

In our team building activity, the seminarians were classified in many colors. The veranda of our main house seemed to be holding an international competition for painting. Each teams initiated to make their own flags or a banner representing their team. “Knowing each other, getting together” is the title of our group dynamics. It has its unique hashtags also that can divide the activities from morning to the afternoon. We steered them, knowing that spirits are still in vacation. We want them to be very ALERT and vigilant as we welcome the new year in formation. We boosted our #PhysicALERT, #MentALERT and #SpirituALERT capacity in a whole-day challenge. Everyone witnessed the yelling and joyful shouts. The spirit of unity was strongly developed. During our lunch, we shared the same banquet. We shared the same food for a greater purpose.

It is an ironical truth when we think of Jesus as our friend because in the seminary we cannot be friends. We can select our good friends, but we cannot choose for our brothers. This event became a very wonderful encounter with the new seminarians to know them better. Our quest also for a strong bond to our old brothers became strong and intensive. Lastly, the Holy Father is reminding that, “The Son of God became incarnate in the souls of men to instill the feeling of brotherhood. All are brothers and all children of God.” We become one in Don Orione, we become one in Christ. Let us establish all things in Christ!

                                                                     A documentary of Sem. Pablo B. Jordan

                                                                                                Contributor, Team Head