“The blood of the Martyrs are the seeds of the Church.” Seed is a term commonly used by the Church and even used by Jesus in his parables to symbolize something that grows, something that is being formed, this is evident in the Seminary which is called seedbed where Seminarians are called seeds that needs to grow and to be formed to be a good and holy Priests.
The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, having two of its famous martyrs, St. Pedro Calungsod and St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila commemorated the said event on November 28, 2018. Martyrs for the Filipinos are very crucial since they set an example for a Church persevering and walking as a pilgrim through the grace and abiding presence of God amidst diverse kind of persecution, sent forth to proclaim and to live the Gospel.
This is a perfect time in the Archdiocese of Palo who was also celebrating her anniversary as a Diocese reminding herself to strengthen as it grow not only in age but the people as a Church who struggle in living the life of charity and sanctity.
St. John the Evangelist School of Theology, Palo Leyte, under its Local ordinary, John Forrosuelo Du, the Archbishop of Palo, also commemorated the said memorable event on the same date. Recognizing the martyrs, learning from their way of life of sanctity and faith, strengthened by the virtue of fortitude, the Seminarians were able to grasp and gave themselves a meaningful and fruitful profound meditation in living a life of martyrdom for the Church, imitating Jesus Christ as the Lamb who was slain, who gave himself for the many, out of obedience to the Father and unconditional love for the people. This was beautifully and solemnly commemorated at the entrance of the Seminary Chapel with Rev. Fr. Kelvin Joy Apurillo, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Vice – Rector and the Prefect of Discipline of the Theologate as the Presider. With the colored motif of red ribbons tied in each corner, the entrance gate, doors and the main chapel of the Seminary, also the Seminarians having a lighted white candles tied around with red ribbons, the event started with a prayer followed by the solemn procession up to the sanctuary and faithfully gathered to read the readings and responsory attached for the Red Wednesday Commemoration, then, it was followed by the evening prayer.
The memorial reminds us that Martyrdom is not something to be afraid of but something that one should have in his or her heart to ponder the life of Jesus Christ as martyr, to defend, to be faithful and to give our life also for the good of others. In the end, it is “Charity” that will bring us all to the heavens.