Auxiliary Bishop of Nueva Segovia

The Most Reverend DAVID WILLIAM V. ANTONIO, DD
Auxiliary Bishop of Nueva Segovia
Titular Bishop of Basti

Born on December 29, 1963
Ordained Priest for Nueva Segovia on December 1, 1988
Appointed Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI on July 15, 2011
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Nueva Segovia on July 15, 2011
Ordained Bishop on August 26, 2011

***

Thanks be to God for the ordination of Bishop David William Antonio at the Conversion of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral in Vigan City, Philippines. Bishop William is auxiliary bishop of Nueva Segovia, assisting Archbishop Ernesto Salgado.

I am personally thankful to God for the gift of Bishop William to the Church not only in Nueva Segovia, but in the whole of Northern Luzon. Then Fr. William was our baccalaureate mass presider when we graduated at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary. I too had to the blessing of having him as formator, professor and rector at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology. When I was ordained for the Archdiocese, I had the privilege of working with him at the Chancery, and in the Steering Committee of the Priests' Assembly. I am here in the US working for a Licentiate degree in Systematic Theology very much through his prodding and support.

God has favored his people in Nueva Segovia with the gift of this new bishop, whose person is remarkable.

Bishop William chose as his episcopal motto "Ut vitam habeant" - "That they may have life, and have it more abundantly." from John 10:10. His choice reflects his approach to life and ministry - both are to be a gift of life for others.

Here is his coat-of-arms, and the explanation, courtesy of the Nueva Segovia Chancery:



The Motto, “UT VITAM HABEANT” (“…That they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”), is taken from the Gospel of St. John 10:10, where the Lord Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. This figure represents the primary image to which the new Bishop and every Bishop must constantly refer. Chosen to shepherd the Lord’s flock, he is a pastor, a servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God (LG 21). The Bishop is a caring pastor who, configured to Christ by his holiness of life, expends himself generously for the flock. He knows his sheep by name (John 10:14), walks ahead of them (John 10:4), leads them to verdant pasture and lays down his life for them (John 10:15).

“UT VITAM HABEANT” expresses too the core-mission of Jesus, namely, the proclamation of the Kingdom of God or God’s salvation, understood essentially as a “New world or universe” liberated from all evils and filled with abundant life-blessings for all of humanity and the whole of creation. This is the same mission entrusted by the Lord to His Church until the final consummation of this kingdom at the end of history; a mission which the Bishop firmly commits himself to.

The Marian Symbol (Marian Monogram with a Crown) at the top portion speaks of the significance and influence of the Blessed Mother in the spiritual life and ministry of the new Bishop. It likewise calls to mind the institutions of learning, religious congregations and communities dedicated to or under the patroness of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – all of which have been instrumental in the bishop’s formation, education and ministry.

The Black bird with Bread on the right side reminds us of St. Benedict of Nursia, acknowledged as Father of Western Monasticism. It signifies the Bishop’s devotion to the saint as well as his interest in the monastic spirituality of Saint Benedict.

The Fleur-de-lis against a black backdrop on the left portion of the shield is reminiscent of St. Dominic of Guzman, whose devotion to the Blessed Mother, especially to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is legendary. As a symbol of purity and chastity the fleur-de-lis is an iconographic attribute of Virgin Mary. St. Dominic is the patron of the parish/town where the new bishop was born and raised.

***

Laudetur Iesus Christus. Semper laudetur.

December in Nueva Segovia

REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY

DECEMBER 2010

1 - Wednesday: Advent Weekday (1), Violet
Ordination: Rev. David William Antonio (1988)
Rev. Marlon Belmonte (2003)
Archbishop’s Schedule: December 1 – 8, Ad Limina Visit, Rome Italy

2 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (1), Violet

3 - Friday: St. Francis Xavier, priest. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lungog, I. Sur
9 AM - Concelebrated Mass
Presider: Msgr. David William Antonio
Birthday: Rev. Reynaldo Rebebes (1972)

4 - Saturday: Advent Weekday (1), Violet or m of St. John Damascene, priest, religious and doctor, WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Carlito Feria (2001)
Rev. Rufo V. Abaya (2006)
Rev. Cristeto a. Cortez (2006)

5 - Sunday : + SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT. Violet

AWRIS CHRISTMAS GATHERING: 8AM – 5PM, BNEK, Fatima, Vigan City
Ordination: Rev. Danilo Martinez (2003)
Rev. Willie Jones Ducusin (2005)
NECROLOGY: 1781 Fr. Fernando Balensuela
1857 Fr. Damaso Lazo

6 - Monday: Advent Weekday (2), VIOLET or m of St. Nicholas, bishop, WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Rex Rilveria (2001)
Rev. Michael C. Tanacio (2006)

7 - Tuesday: St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor. WHITE
Birthday: Rev. Erwin E. Echalas (1981)
Ordination: Rev. Ernesto Juarez, Jr. (2005)

8 - Wednesday: SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. PRINCIPAL PATRONESS OF THE PHILIPPINES. WHITE.

PATRONAL FEAST: Immaculate Conception Parish, Sta. Cruz, I. Sur
8:30 AM - Concelebrated Mass
Presider: Msgr. David William Antonio

Immaculate Conception Parish, Quirino, I. Sur
9 AM - Concelebrated Mass
Presider: Msgr. Antonio Reclusado
NECROLOGY: 1837 Bishop Francisco Alban, OP

9 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (2), VIOLET or St. Juan Diego, WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Glendino Ragsag (1997)
NECROLOGY: 1856 Fr. Saturnino Mateo
Fr. Andres Alcayaga
Msgr. Osmundo Calip

10 - Friday: Advent Weekday (2), VIOLET.
Archbishop’s Schedule: Wedding, Manila
Ordination: Rev. Melchor Reonal (2003)
Rev. Ramelle j. rigunay (2007)

11 - Saturday: Advent Weekday (2), Violet or m of St. Damasus I, pope, WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Arnel Noel Ramos (1970)
Ordination: Rev. Raymund Ancheta (2001)

12 - Sunday: + THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT. VIOLET OR ROSE.

SPECIAL COLLECTION: to be made in all masses for St. Peter’s Pence

PATRONAL FEAST: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Sevilla, Sta. Cruz, I. Sur
9 AM - Concelebrated Mass

13 - Monday: St. Lucy, virgin and martyr. RED.

PATRONAL FEAST: St. Lucy Parish, Sta. Lucia, I. Sur
8:30 AM - Concelebrated Mass

St. Lucy Parish, Narvacan, I. Sur
4 PM - Concelebrated Mass

14 - Tuesday: St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor. WHITE.

Clergy Advent Recollection: Aula de Nuestra Señora de Caridad
Archbishop’s Residence Compound, Vigan City
Ordination: Rev. Sherwin Aquino (2005)
Rev. Bernardo Gonzales (2005)
Rev. Lester Joseph Plana (2005)

15 - Wednesday: Advent Weekday (3). VIOLET.

Archbishop’s Schedule: St. William’s Institute, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
9 AM – Confirmation
Birthday (1961) & Ordination (1987): Rev. Antonio Reclusado
Ordination: Rev. Mario Raquepo (1979)
NECROLOGY: 1846 Fr. Egidio Abaya

AGUINALDO MASSES

16 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (3). VIOLET. National Youth Day

SPECIAL COLLECTION: 1st Misa de Gallo collection for IYM
NECROLOGY: 1807 Fr. Bernardo Montenegro
1814 Bishop Cayetano Pallas, OP

17 - Friday: Advent Weekday (3). Violet.
Ordination: Rev. Anthony Rosario (1990)
Rev. Constatino Atinaja, Jr. (1994)

18 - Saturday: Advent Weekday (3). Violet.

Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Joseph Parish, Salcedo, I. Sur
9 AM – Mass with Installation of Lectors and Acolytes
Ordination: Rev. Rene Rosabia(, 1991)
Rev. Peter Dumag (1992)
Rev. Rean Frederick Enriquez (1993)
Rev. Ronilo Villa (1995)
19 - Sunday: + FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT. VIOLET

Archbishop’s Schedule: Parents of Priests’ Christmas Gathering
Aula de Nuestra Señora de Caridad
Archbishop’s Residence Compound, Vigan City
11 AM – Holy Mass
Ordination: Rev. Gerardo Isabelo Antolin (, 1990)
Rev. Jack Cabatu (1992)
Rev. Florentino Escalona (1994)

20 - Monday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.

Archbishop’s Schedule: Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Burgos, I. Sur
9 AM – Confirmation
Ordination: Rev. Arthur Amian (1989)
Rev. Raymund Ellorin (1991)
21 - Tuesday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.
Birthday: Rev. Virgilio Cabaccang (1955)
Ordination: Rev. Ferdinand Ragasa (1990)
Rev. Cosmenio Rosimo, Jr. (1991)
Rev. Mar G. Barroga (2002)
NECROLOGY: 1806 Fr. Christoval de Quintos
1992 Fr. Jose Tongson

22 - Wednesday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.

Archbishop’s Schedule: Holy Mass – Golden Wedding Anniversary
Laoag City
Ordination: Rev. Felix Costales (1989)
Rev. Jerry Avisa (1992)

23 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.

Presbyteral Ordination: Most Rev. Ernesto Salgado (1961)
Rev. Albert Manalo (1961)

24 - Friday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.

Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
12 MN - Midnight Mass

Birthday: Rev. German Somera (1969)

CHRISTMAS SEASON

25 - Saturday: + CHRISTMAS, SOLEMNITY OF THE LORD’S BIRTH. White

Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
9 AM – Holy Mass


26 - Sunday: +FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, WHITE.

PATRONAL FEAST: St. Stephen Proto-Martyr Parish, San Esteban, I. Sur.
9 AM – Concelebrated Mass

Birthday: Rev. Constantino Atinaja, Jr. (1968)

27 - Monday: Saint John, Apostle, Evangelist. WHITE.

Ordination: Rev. Ethel Agamata (1989)

28 - Tuesday: The Holy Innocents. RED.

29 - Wednesday: FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS or m of St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr. WHITE.

Birthday: Rev. David William Antonio (1963)

30 - Thursday: SIXTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS, WHITE.

Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Augustine School Centennial Celebration
St. Augustine Parish, Tagudin, I. Sur
8 AM – Holy Mass

31 - Friday: SEVENTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS or m of St. Sylvester I, pope. WHITE.

Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
9:30 PM – Holy Mass

BIRTHDAY: Rev. Glendino Ragsag (1969)

NECROLOGY: 1803 Bishop Agustin Pedro Blaquier, OP


Activities for JANUARY 2011:


January 3 & 4 – Clergy New Year’s Gathering, Stella Maris, Pug-os, Cabugao, I. Sur

January 12 – 55th Canonical Coronation of Apo Caridad, Bantay, I. Sur

January 15 - Patronal Feast of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Burgos, I. Sur

January 17 – Patronal Feast of Holy Child of Prague Parish, Cervantes, I. Sur

January 23 – Patronal Feast of St. Ildefonsus Parish, San Ildefonso I. Sur

January 25 – Patronal Feast of Conversion of St. Paul, Vigan City

From the NS Chancery

REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY

Month Of OCTOBER 2009

1 - Thursday: St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Virgin and Doctor: Patroness of all Missions. White.

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
7AM – Concelebrated Mass, Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City

Let us pray for:
Rev.Garret Alfonso Ulanimo (Ordination, 2004)

2 - Friday: Guardian Angels. White.

Let us pray for:
Rev.Michael Tolentino (Ordination, 2004)

3 - Saturday: 26th Week, Ordinary Time. Green or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE

4 - †27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN

LA NAVAL:
9 AM – Concelebrated Mass, St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
9 AM – Concelebrated Mass, Rambak Sta. Teresita
Holy Child of Prague Parish, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur

Let us pray for:
Rev.Alen Villareal (Ordination, 2004)
Rev. Edgar Serrano (Birthday, 1961)

5 - Monday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN

NECROLOGY:
2006 Rev. Angel Cruces

6 - Tuesday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Bruno, Priest, WHITE

NECROLOGY:
1880 Fr. Geronimo Reyes

7 - Wednesday: Our Lady of the Rosary. White.

8 - Thursday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

9 - Friday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Denis, bishop, and Companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. John Leonardi, priest, WHITE.

10 - Saturday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE.

Let us pray for:
Rev.Florencio Rebebes (Birthday, 1951)

NECROLOGY:
1927 Fr. Agustin Rosario

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
9 AM – Confirmation
St. Isidore the Farmer Parish
San Isidro, San Juan, Ilocos Sur

11 - †28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S SUNDAY (Special Collection to be made)
“Ti Simbaan ken Kapuonan Agdadanggay a Mangiyanninaw ti Pammati”
Extreme Poverty Day

12 - Monday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN

NECROLOGY:
1821 Fr. Joseph Pichay
1966 Archbishop Santiago Sancho

13 - Tuesday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN

Let us pray for:
Rev.Marcelo Cantorna (Birthday, 1938)

Regular Schedule: VICARIAL MEETING

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
8 AM – Mass for the La Naval
St. Vincent Parish, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

14 - Wednesday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Callixtus, Pope and Martyr, Red.

15 - Thursday: St Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor. WHITE.

16 - Friday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Hedwig, religious, WHITE or m of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin, WHITE.

Let us pray for:
Rev.Florentino Escalona (Birthday, 1964)

17 - Saturday: St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr. RED.

NECROLOGY:
1966 Msgr. Daniel Cortez

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
Ilocano Bible Centennial Celebration
St. Louis University Burgos Gymnasium, Baguio City

18 - †29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
“The nations will come to its light”
(Rev. 21:24)
(Special Collection to be made)
(A special homily on the missions should be preached today. The collections of all masses are for the missions and should be sent to the Most Reverend Ordinaries within 15 days. Where special celebrations for the mission work of the Church are held, the mass for the spread of the Gospel may be said today. – ORDO 2008)

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
3 PM – Confirmation
Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Vigan City

19 - Monday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or or m. of St. John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests and Companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. Paul of the Cross, priest, WHITE.

Regular Schedule: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY
October 19 – 20

20 - Tuesday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

NECROLOGY:
1932 Fr. Segundo Urbi

21 - Wednesday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
9 AM – Confirmation for St. Joseph Institute
St. John of Sahagun Parish, Candon City

22 - Thursday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN

Let us pray for:
Rev. Ronald Doña (Birthday, 1981)

23 - Friday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. John Capistrano, priest, WHITE.

24 - Saturday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE or m of St. Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop, WHITE.

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
2:30 PM – Solemn Investiture Mass of ICMS
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City

25 - † 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
PRISON AWARENESS SUNDAY
Theme: “Be a light to others… Instrument of Healing and Reconciliation”

VOCATION ANIMATION SUNDAY
(Special Collection to be made)

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
8:30 AM – Mass for the La Naval
St. Ildefonse Parish, San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur

Let us pray for:
Rev. Rey Urmeneta (Birthday, 1953)
Rev. Pascual Abaya IV (Birthday, 1969)

NECROLOGY:
1847 Fr. Vicente Rivera

26 - Monday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
Let us pray for:
Rev. Felicisimo Ferrer (Birthday, 1955)
Rev. Aloysius Malcaba (Ordination, 1991)

27 - Tuesday: Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles. Red

Let us pray for:
Rev. Ray Sabalburo (Ordination, 1983)
Rev. Sherwin Aquino (Birthday, 1977)

28 - Wednesday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Ramelle Rigunay (Birthday, 1981)

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE:
10AM – Wedding
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City

29 - Thursday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Orlando Fuller (Birthday, 1947)
Rev. Alen Villareal (Birthday, 1973)
Rev. Albert Rabe (Ordination, 1983)

30 - Friday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Edgar Brillantes (Birthday, 1954)

31 - Saturday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

Vigan: Tres de Mayo

Among the festivities of the Vigan Fiesta of Tres de Mayo are the grains painting and the carabao painting, which began this morning. Here are some pictures of the event:





And there is more. Come to Vigan and have fun. =)

Domingo de Ramos

The Solemn Mass of the Sunday of the Lord's Passion at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral was presided by the Most Rev. Ernesto A. Salgado, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia.

The Eucharist began in front of the Cathedral with the blessing of palms.


Families came.


The multitudes gathered, like in the time of Jesus when He was welcomed by the people in Jerusalem.


After the blessing of palms, the Gospel and a brief homily by the Archbishop, he led the people into the Church with the invitation - "Let us go forth in peace, praising Jesus our Messiah, as did the crowds who welcomed him to Jerusalem."

"Let us be on our way"

Archbishop Ernesto Salgado invites us all to a pilgrimage to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral during the duration of this Pauline Year.

Remember that on the eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed a special Pauline Jubilee Year commemorating the bimillenium of the birth of the Apostles to the Gentiles. He then called for a series of liturgical, cultural and ecumenical events as well as pastoral and social initiatives. In addition, he also asked that special attention should be made to penitential pilgrimages to the tomb of the Apostle, as well as in places and churches dedicated to St. Paul.

In response, the Archdiocese has set up a year long celebration. Last June 28, 2008, the celebrations were officially launched, and the pilgrimages declared open with the opening of the Jubilee door at the Cathedral.

The Holy Father, through the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence for pilgrims to the Cathedral during the Jubilee Year. This is if the pilgrims come with the right intention of seeking God's mercy through the intercession of St. Paul, performing acts of piety (the usual requisites of confession and prayer for the Pope, and prayers to St. Paul) and following the spirit of the Jubilee - conversion, renewal, evangelization and mission.

A plenary indulgence is the total remission of punishment due to sin already forgiven in confession.

Homecoming...

(the Seminario during the blessing)

Yesterday, we began the 3-day alumni homecoming at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary. This is in celebration of 50 years since the transfer of the seminary administration from the religious to the diocesan clergy, with Msgr. Panay as first Rector, thus.

We were not many. Most of those who have arrived are the elder ones. Hopefully, tonight, with the "commemoration dinner", more would come in.

Nevertheless, the spirit was there. The elders, now successful in their own fields and lives, manifested a contagious air of gratitude to the good old seminario. And us who are more recent (well, actually not, it has been 13 years since I graduated there) find inspiration in our manongs' spirit.

Their resolve to actively collaborate in the upkeep of the seminary and in bettering seminary formation is equally inspiring.

I know little of the elder alumni, and have had only very minimal interaction with them, but I feel a sense of connectedness.

For sure, it is the shared reality that we all experienced, in varying ways of relevance, religiosity, resolve, or nonchalance, mediocrity or even notoriety - the lawn, the building, the classrooms, the dining hall, the study hall, the dormitories, the Rector and Prefect's Office, the basketball and soccer courts, the comfort rooms, the corridors, the nooks, the bell, the Chapel and Oratory - the formators, the teachers, the classmates and community mates, the personnel - the formation, the prayers and daily Eucharist, the spiritual direction and confessions, the study periods, the discipline, the mischief, the homesickness, the adventures and misadventures, the community programs and outing, merits and sanctions, the friendships, the mentoring, the guidance, the journey, the minor seminary life.

Bishop Jacinto Jose in his homily during the Opening Liturgy yesterday emphasized the minor seminary's formative impact - as influence and inspiration. It was a succinct way of putting it. The whole minor seminary formation package, indeed exerted influence on each one who experiences it, hopefully as an inspiration to live up to the ideals of Christian living and servant-leadership.

Keep in touch with fellow alumni through the Alumni website : http://icmsalumni.org/
.

A prelate asks forgiveness...

The Second Northern Luzon Youth Forum is ongoing (October 23-26) at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology. Today's Liturgy will be led by the Bishops of the Pangasinan Sub-region. Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan will be the presider and homilist.

He has a blog entry addressed to young people (blog entry of October 19, 2007). The Prelate of Lingayen-Dagupan, at one time President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and Secretary of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, asks forgiveness.

Thought-provoking. Challenging.

"Ang Pagbabalik"

August 13. 6PM. ICST. JOLOGS: Ang Pagbabalik.

Two years after finishing theology formation at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology, the JOLOGS, Class of 2005 returned to celebrate a thanksgiving mass with the seminary community.

The mass was presided by Fr. Sherwin Aquino. Fr. Johnny Valdez was homilist. Fr. Berlynden Daoanis introduced the class to the community. Fr. Redentor Mejia thanked the seminary community. Fr. John Habawel, most able rector of ICST, gave the final remarks.

In his homily, Fr. Johnny cited reasons for the thanksgiving mass: to thank the Lord for calling us, although we are unworthy; to thank the Lord for sustaining her Church; and to thank the Lord for the gift of seminary formation, community and formators. He reminded us of the greatness of the gift we received, and are called to share. He encouraged the seminary formators to continue the good work they have begun. He admonished the seminarians to obey the formators, who are after all the representatives of Jesus in their formation.

Fr. Redentor thanked the seminary for accomodating our class for this thanksgiving mass. And he invited us to thank our Mother Mary who accompanied us in our seminary formation.

Fr. John thanked the class for the visit, saying that this was one way of showing support for the work of formation, and of encouraging the seminarians to continue on, faithfully. He likewise asked the class to collaborate with ICST in the formation of future priests by being open to invitations to become spiritual directors, or retreat/recollection facilitators, or in other ways that we could be of help.

Fortunately, 15 of us were able to gather - Fr. Sherwin, Fr. Ernesto Juarez, Jr., Fr. Bernardo Gonzales, Fr. Lester Plana and myself from Nueva Segovia; Fr. Adel Agcaoili of Tabuk; Fr. David Cabuten and Fr. Berlyn Daoanis of Baguio; Fr. Redentor and Fr. Fernan Estrada of Dagupan; Fr. Dionisio Lozano of Urdaneta; Fr. Alex Peralta of La Union; Fr. Johnny and Fr. Jaime Noto of Bayombong; and Fr. Leonardo Tubaña of Bangued. Fr. Alger Gonzales of Batanes (had to swim the seven seas to make it to Vigan but was hindered by Dodong and Egay), Fr. Rex Singson of Tuguegarao, Fr. Christian Bullozo of Tabuk, Rev. Renante Bose of Bangued (who was sick due to over dieting and anxiety of the political situation of their locale) and Businessman Isaac Refuerzo were not able to attend.

It was nevertheless a wonderful opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ and to the Church, to draw from the wellsprings of ICST, to go back to our "Galilee" where we daily encountered Jesus, as he formed us to be his ministers.

We thank ICST, the seminary community, our formators then, and the formators now. Agbiag ti ICST.

The Eucharist, indeed truly a meal-celebration of fellowship, thanksgiving and praise, food for our pilgrimage, has empowered us to continue Journeying Onwards with the Love Of God's Son.

(Some "Ang Pagbabalik" pics)