Last October 23-27, 2017, the community of St. John the Evangelist School of Theology, Archdiocese of Palo for the third time hosted one of the most momentous events in the History of intimacy, solidarity, unity and camaraderie among the four theology seminaries in the Visayas – the 11th gathering of Theology Seminarians in the Visayas.
The whole church of the Philippines celebrates this year as the year of the “Parish as Communion of Communities.” Drawn from its inspiration, the 11th gathering of theology seminarians in the Visayas carried the theme “Ut Unum Sint” … (“that all may be one”) which was primarily taken from the Gospel of John 17:21. This powerful prayer “that all may be one” uttered by Jesus Himself during the last supper was the highlight of the four-day gathering. The participating seminaries were Seminario Mayor de San Carlos (SMSC) Cebu; Sancta Maria Mater et Magistra (SMMRS) Capiz; and St. Joseph Regional Seminary (SJRS) Ilo-ilo with St. John the Evangelist School of Theology as Host.
As the official host of this memorable event in the history of the seminary, the entire community of St. John the Evangelist School of Theology (SGEST) had rightly prepared chains of activities for the five-day occurrence which yearned to substantiate and capture the spirit of the theme which were indeed fully and concretely realized at the end of the event.
On the first day, the whole community of St. John the Evangelist School of Theology as the official host of the event, cordially welcomed the delegates from the three participating theology seminaries in the Visayas with a festive welcoming performance of the PASAKA group as guest performer. After which, short welcome ceremony followed. In the afternoon, followed the celebration of the Holy Eucharist held at the “Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish,” Cathedral, Palo, Leyte. It was presided by his Excellency, Most. Rev. John F. Du, DD., archbishop of Palo and concelebrated by the seminary fathers from the four theology seminaries in the Visayas. In his homily, his Excellency, Most. Rev. John F. Du officially welcomed the delegates of the participating seminaries of the 11th Gathering of Theology Seminarians in the Visayas in the Archdiocese of Palo with great joy and eagerness assuring to them that their five-day-stay here in the Archdiocese of Palo, particularly here in St. John the Evangelist School of Theology would be first and foremost enjoyable, great, meaningful, memorable and successful. Additionally, it was the wish of the Archbishop that this year’s gathering in the Archdiocese of Palo would truly become a concrete experience of what it truly means to be in communion with communities and a celebration of unity and love.
The five-day event of the 11th gathering of Theology Seminarians in the Archdiocese of Palo was culminated by the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist held at the Sacred Heart Seminary Chapel early the following day. It was presided by his Excellency, Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, DD., Bishop of San Carlos who in his homily synthesized all the activities we had since from the first day of activity until the end of activities and its implications to the concrete realizations of the theme “That All May Be One”, the last heartfelt prayer that Jesus spoke to the Father. After which followed a short turn-over ceremony in which, St. John the Evangelist School of Theology after having successfully hosted the 11th Gathering of Theology Seminarians in the Visayas 2017 freely handed the key of full responsibility to Sancta Maria Mater et Magistra Seminary (SMMMS) who will be the next host of the 12th Gathering of Theology Seminarians in the Visayas 2019. After which, Rev. Msgr. Erlito Maraya, Ph.D. beloved rector of St. John the Evangelist School of Theology spoke on behalf of the entire community of SJEST. In his words of gratitude and wisdom, he heartily expressed his gratefulness for the success of the gathering. Finally, the rector assured the delegates that their five-day stay in SJEST was indeed memorable, great, relishing and meaningful one.
