Mary Help of Christians College Seminary

ENTER THE COLLEGE SEMINARY

2011-02-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

APPLICANTS TO THE COLLEGE SEMINARY: Please make an appointment for the exams and inquire about the requirements: the contact numbers are 515-8306 (Seminary) or 09174712224 (Rea) or 09321914290 (Rosie).

LETTER TO KABALENS for SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION 2011

2010-12-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

30 November 2010

Dear Kabalens,

Kumusta ka la, Kabalens? Kulan mo la ey? Siopara so akapanpari ed sikatayo ey?

Kabalens, our beloved Alma Mater, the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary in Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City is now 25 years old! Yes, singano karuman labat tayo ingapo. All the former Rectors are still alive with us: Fr. Butch, Msgr. Sabangan, Fr. Oliver and Bishop Rene. Fr. Ayong whom most of us know is the current Rector. Imagine that in 25 years, we have produced 74 priests from our seminary – out of the 292 who graduated, out of the 740 who entered! Thanks be to God!

Kabalens, it is not true that we have produced more lawyers than priests. It is true many have become lawyers, but still greater have continued to serve the Lord. We thank the loving care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians!

Kabalens, would you like to come to Bonuan again for a Grand Reunion to celebrate the seminary’s silver anniversary? Would you like to see your batchmates and contemporaries again? We sincerely would like to see you again. You are and have always been welcome to visit “our” seminary. You will see a lot of changes…. but the structure is still the same. There is permanence in the vast metaphysical world that changes….

Kabalens, please don’t get angry if we tell you that your presence is important. For the love of Bonuan Seminary. For the love of Mary. For the love of Jesus – who once called you to become a priest in this institution. Let us forgive and forget all our bad experiences as long as we have learned good lessons from them. Just come back. Come home…

Kabalens, here are details: The grand celebration is February 12, 2011 which is a Saturday. Registration starts at 9AM and there will be sports. Don’t worry, the Limon Hall which will be rededicated is already air-conditioned. There will be lunch and program at 12NN, and then at 4PM, Archbishop Socrates Villegas will preside over the Mass. At 6PM, we shall have early dinner to be followed by the Musical-Play of the Seminarians on San Lorenzo Ruiz. There will be a lot of time for talking and celebrating.

Kabalens, kaya lang, siempre, may contribution tayo. I am sure you would like to help the seminary in some way. Maybe, batch by batch big donations. Pero, mahirap ang buhay ngayon. That is why we decided to ask you for a one-time donation. It will cover registration, lunch, dinner, snacks and play ticket for the occasion, plus free alumni-homecoming t-shirt pa. P2,500.00 lang. The proceeds will go to the repair of the seminary comfort rooms. Okay ba? Biro mo, ang CR nila, ginamit pa natin noon. Huh!

Kabalens, please come home to Bonuan again. February 12, ha? See you soon!

Love and mwah,

Your Bonuan Kaba (a.k.a. Kabalens din yan).

silver anniversary logo

2010-08-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Twenty-Second Batch 2006-2010

2010-05-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

AWAO, Edward Fernandez
BUGTONG, Gary Rex Afos
LOPEZ, Angelo Bantang
PABLICO, Mark Edzel Sajonas
PANINGBATAN, Emmanuel Padua
PECSON, Danille Chad Crisostomo
QUINTO, James Anthony Salunson
SUPNET, Isaiah Miguel III Matubis
VALDEZ, Vishnu Banaag
NAVATO, Ronaldo Daguno

Twenty-First Batch 2005-2009

2010-05-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

ANDRES, Jaime Jr. Garcia
AZARES, Kenneth Camil Sonido
DE LEON, Bryan Jeric Visperas
DORIA, Clemence Gilbert Bacus
EBREO, Angelo Marquez
GUERRERO, Marionne Dumapias
LALAS, Norman Paul Petonio
PAMO, Meynard lean Aragones

Twentieth Batch 2004-2008

2010-05-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

BACANI, Jorge III y Samson
CEREZO, Alvin Divino y Bulusan
CHIONG, Dalton y Viray
DE GUZMAN, Franklin y Quenano
ESCANO, John Christopher y Galimba
FRANCISCO, Greg y Caoile
LOPEZ, Edward y Garcia
PASCUA, Mark Jayson y Parayno
REINTAR, Karl Sigfrey y Zamora
ROSAL, Roy Joel y Ocang

Nineteenth Batch 2003-2007

2010-05-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

ABREU, Linneus Carl y Baligad
APOSTOL, Stanley y Abalos
AUSTRIA, Jason y Manangan
BATAOIL, Christians Joy y Delos Angeles
BULATAO, Jupiter y Soriano
DEL ROSARIO, Glenn y Cudiamat
FERRER, Julius Abraham y Cruz
NUESCA, Andres Jr. y Flomar
ROMERO, Ranndolph y Gutierrez
TOMELDEN, Ryan y Joves

Eighteenth Batch 2002-2006

2010-05-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

CALAUNAN, Leo Mar y De Vera
DORIA, Hubert y Bacus
DULDULAO, Kristian Allen y Dela Cruz
FERNANDEZ, Joseph y Tirao
GAVINA, Roland Anthony y Sajonas
PICARDAL, Christopher Ray y Fabros
TENORIO, Orlando Jr. y Fontanilla
TOLENTINO, Qumar jessie y Teneza

Seventeenth Batch 2001-2005

2010-05-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

ABACCO, Teofilo Isidro III y Bucao
CALULUT, Lemon y Laberinto
CASTANEDA, Mark Lester y Abad
FERNANDEZ, Adonis y Yden
GAMATA, Orlando y Legacion
GUIBANI, Jean-Paul B.
HEBRON, Jasper y Roma
MOISES, David y Agustin
MOLINA, Matt Jason John y Junatas
PAET, Harold y Bobiles
PARAYNO, Richard y Abad
SORIANO, Kristoffer Allan y Cayabyab
TULIAO, Marvin John y Malicdem

Congratulations to Batch 2010!

2010-05-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

Sixteenth Batch 2000-2004

2010-05-18T01:47:00.000-07:00

BALANON, Rex Belle N.
CLATA, Henry P.
DULAY, Jonathan A.
ESTRADA, Gerard Pio III B.
FERNANDEZ, Jogeemar T.
LLOREN, Ronald P.
OFRANCIA, Francis M.
PUASANOS, Russel John E.
SORIANO, Montini Yani L.
GUIBANI, Ryan Crisanto B.

Fifteenth Batch 1999-2003

2010-05-18T01:42:00.000-07:00

CARINO, Dexter Z.
CUISON, William Bryan Q.
DALIT, Lari Angelo E.
DUCUSIN, Christian Cesar R.
FRASER, John Adonis D.
NARVAS, Jufri Jan Louis M.
OINEZA, Amiel Christian M.
PADUA, Christopher Brian R.
PAGDANGANAN, Christopher R.
QUESADA, Rejoice V.
SERQUINA, John Dexter

Fourteenth Batch 1998-2002

2010-05-18T01:38:00.000-07:00

ANAPI, Dan Anthony G.
CALDERON, Edilberto A.
CUCHAPIN, Noel Ildefonso D.
DEL CASTILLO, Alexander R.
DELGADO, Edward Jr. S.
ESPINOZA, Estephen Mark R.
FAMA, Castelo Angelo T.
GALIVO, Eric C.
GALIVO, Vernie L.
JIMENEZ, Efren Jr. U.
LOPEZ, Leo Paol D.
NEDIC, Leo C.
OCAMPO, Valdem Joseph A.
PATAWARAN, Jonathan Jose G.
SARMIENTO, Gregorio C.
TAMONDONG, Alvin G.
UNTALAN, Ma. Angelo D.

Thirteenth Batch 1997-2001

2010-05-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

BUYAO, Mark Aldrin R.
CASTRO, Angel Jr. L.
CEPEREZ, Vener C.
CUCHAPIN, Ian Verisimo D.
CUISON, Julius S.
DIVINA, Demetrio Jr. U.
ESTRADA, Eric B.
FERRER, Mario Lito S.
LOMIBAO, Frederick S.
MALICDEM, Rogelio Jr. C.
MARTIN, Divino E.
MESA, Ruel Z.
MONTEALEGRE, Erwin G.
PARAMIO, Mark Anthony M.
PULIDO, Bryan Paul P.
PUZON, Dominique Jose S.
RAMIREZ, Roland B.
ROQUE, Antonio Jr. G.
UMAGTAM, Democrito B.

Twelfth Batch 1996-2000

2010-05-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

ABEJERO, Eugenio C.
ALDANA, Mark Anthony M.
ALMOITE, Alain M.
AQUINO, Aldrin M.
BAQUIRAN, Marimar U.
BEMBO, Jhomark M.
CAPUA, Harly A.
CARUNGAY, Gerome S.
DAROY, Nathaniel M.
GOMEZ, Cloyd Dennis V.
LORENZO, Jimmy D.
MEJIA, Reydentor G.

Eleventh Batch 1995-1999

2010-05-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

AQUINO, Ernest Jr. P.
ESTRADA, Fernan C.
FABIA, Laudemer I.
LIMBOS, Eric S.
LIMSON, Jeremy D.
LUZANO, Dionisio B.
NERIZON, Noel R.
PALISOC, Orville C.
RAYRAY, Ian Vincent G.
SORIANO, Arvin V.

Tenth Batch 1994-1998

2010-05-18T01:21:00.000-07:00

ALANO, Jover A.
CENTENO, Aries L.
CEREZO, Jim S.
COLLADO, Jazel Ramon E.
GAVINA, Eusehito Jr. M.
JACINTO, Andres Alipio Cresente F.
JIMENEZ, Rudolph A.
LEANDADO, Bryant B.
MALSI, Edward U.
MAMAUAG, Darwin T.
QUINTANS, Antonio Ray R.
REPOLLO, Rinovic C.

Ninth Batch 1993-1997

2010-05-18T01:14:00.001-07:00

ALIMORONG, John S.
BASCO, Allan Joel V.
BRAGA, Melchor Joseph C.
CACHO, Ulysses C.
FONTELERA, Hansel E.
LALAS, Xerxes Jess P.
LEGASPI, Crispin R.
PALMA, Christian V.
PENULLAR, Rommel C.
POSADAS, Darwin Z.
POSADAS, Lordwin Z.
POSADAS, Sherwin Z.
RAMIREZ, Rojohn B.
RIVERA, Joel C.
SARANILLA, Abrahan P.
SORIANO, Mario Heherson A.
TAMONDONG, Rolly G.
UNCIANO, Galahad Randall S.

Eighth Batch 1992-1996

2010-05-18T01:09:00.000-07:00

ABRIO, Marvin S.
AQUINO, Ronald S.
ARISTON, Arnelle V.
ASTERO, Edison C.
BARROGA, Mar G.
CABIDA, Tomas Jr. P.
CARIAGA, Menandro Jr. L.
CERA, Jeremias B.
DE CASTRO, Alfred Felix E.
DE GUZMAN, Rommel R.
ESTARIS, Richard Juanito
GAGUTE, Firmo G.
HERRERIA, Christopher G.
MEJIA, Victor B.
NABUA, Uldarico M.
NATIVIDAD, Christopher G.
ROCA, Ryan L.
SISON, Christopher E.
SORIANO, Christopher A.
UBANDO, Christopher N.

Seventh Batch 1991-1995

2010-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

BATALLA, Leo P.
BELTRAN, Elvis M.
CALLAO, Monico L.
CRUZ, Julius B.
DAROY, Jonas B.
DE GUZMAN, Renato N.
GAPATE, Benjie N.
JACOBA, Rico C.
MAMARIL, Marlowe D.
MANAOAT, Franklin C.
MEREMILLA, Jose Alvin Z.
MUEGO, Paul Edward N.
NICOLAS, Jose Jr. C.
PETROLA, Ramon Carlo G.
RAMOS, Tyrone Aristotle E.

Sixth Batch 1990-1994

2010-05-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

Apusen, Liberato A.
Aquino, Sixto II M.
Austria, Joseph M.
Callanta, Wilson M.
Joven, Van Gary Q.
Tabaniag, Francisco S.
Villanueva, Bernardo Y.

Fifth Batch 1989-1993

2010-05-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

Angeles, Arnulfo Jr. A.
Arsola, Angelito S.
Artacho, Marlo Gerardo V.
Atayan, Joselito A.
Batalla, June P.
Camba, Jonathan R.
Caronongan, Hernan C.
Celino, Anthony C.
Mina, Ariosto R.
Nicolas, Douglas C.
Ramirez, Orsino A.
Reyes, Crispin N.

Fourth Batch 1988-1992

2010-05-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Agustin, Jonas G.
Andoloy, Ruel E.
Cancino, Alvin M.
Gana, Raymond C.
Romero, Allen O.
Mejia, Rodolfo Jr. P.
Nicolas, Chester C.
Parayno, Ariel R.
Rabago, Rendrix B.
Repollo, Tony Leo C.
Sanchez, Mario Dominic C.
Tolentino, Arturo C.
Vinluan, Jasper T.
Viernes, Alfred T.

Third Batch 1987-1991

2010-05-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

Baquiran, Roderick M.
Bulosan, Noel B.
Credo, Allan P.
De Vera, Windell David G.
Esquig, David Jr. I.
Estrada, Joseph F.
Gonzalo, Romano V.
Guzman, Tomas Jake III A.
Landingin, Manuel I A.
Mesa, Rafael Z.
Necesito, Leandro B.
Platon, Alvin Gerald P.
Quinto, Jimmy F.
Reyes, Antonio Jr. E.
Samson, Joseph A.
Severino, Jonathan Gavino B.
Sison, Teofilo H.
Viernes, Ildelito T.

Second Batch 1986-1990

2010-05-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

Abuan, Allan Morris T.
Bancifra, Julius D.
Batulan, Marcial A.
Bonayon, Ronald I.
Cabantac, Ricardo R.
Caro, Patrick D.
Caronongan, Amelito C.
Layog, Fidelis B.
Nacor, Vicente C.
Martinez, Roseller M.
Pasaoa, Frederick A.
Reyes, John G.
Sablan, Ferdinand P.
Salosagcol, Rolando C.
Simangan, Peter M.
Silva, Elpidio Jr. F.
Sarte, Carlito G.
Sison, Fernando M.
Vinluan, Jesus Benigno Q.

PIONEERING BATCH 1985-1989

2010-05-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

Bala, Jesus Jr. R.
Begonia, Celestino Jr. P.
Briones, Marcelino B.
Calix, Greg U.
Castillo, Ildefonso Jr. C.
De Leon, Theodore C.
Escano, Ma. Emmanuel Hugo G.
Fernandez, Rainier M.
Javier, Nelson M.
Lomibao, Milo P.
Managaytay, Edilberto A.
Manaois, Raymundo Jr. M.
Mayo, Lain M.
Paguinto, Noel C.
Peralta, Herman H.
Ramos, Romeo G.
Repollo, Joseph A.
Tamayo, Dante B.

THE SEMINARY FORMATORS with the ARCHBISHOP

2010-03-27T01:41:00.000-07:00

We love you, Father Roy!

2010-03-11T22:24:00.001-08:00

HOMILY on the

Funeral Mass for Fr. Roberto C. Villamil

12 March 2010

by Rev. Fr. Mario R. Morales, Rector of the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary

Last Friday, March 5, Father Soc, our Archbishop announced through a text message that, “Our brother in Christ, Father Roberto C. Villamil died in the grace of the Lord in Dagupan City at the age of fifty nine. At the time of his death, he was the procurator of the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary. He was born on January 5, 1951 and received priestly ordination on April 16, 1977.”

As Rector of the College Seminary, the Archbishop asked me to deliver this homily on the funeral mass of Father Roy.

It is very difficult to preach in this funeral. It is very difficult to preach about Fr. Roy – as a priest of the Archdiocese, a brother to his 5 siblings, a son to his dear Mamang and Papang, and a friend to many seminarians and the lay.

Allow me to give a short reflection. Fr. Roy’s preaching were always short. Allow me to read this homily. Fr. Roy’s homilies in the past few years were always read.

FIRST, the Book of Lamentations says, that “the favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent. Every morning, they are renewed. Great is his faithfulness. I will always trust in him.” Fr. Roy did not like to die. He believed in God’s mercy and goodness that he will get well again – like in the past, which has happened many times when he got ill. He was ready to go home. But God’s mercy has brought him to another home – where there will be no more illness, no more diabetes, no more medicines, and but more candies and chocolates…

SECOND, other passages in the gospels say that evil will not triumph, that in the darkest hour when Jesus lay dying on the cross, that suffering led to the resurrection. Fr. Roy is a priest – for almost 33 years. He was a pastor of this parish of the Annunciation and later in St. Gabriel before he was permanently assigned in the College Seminary. He anointed many sick people, and celebrated Eucharist even at funeral masses. He preached about his own faith in the resurrection. He prayed for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal happiness and peace. Those words now come true at this hour, for him too.

THIRD, we say to Father Roy the three most powerful words of human speech. He was not very open with these, and he never asked for these in his lifetime. He was humble and modest ALWAYS when he was honored. But, we need to say these to you, Father Roy:

THANK YOU, Father Roy, for the many wonderful years of your life. For bringing so much joy and love in your family. For the friendship you have shared with many of your brother priests. For the kindness and generosity you have shown to many seminarians. For the heart that served so many people in the Church.

SORRY, Father Roy, that you have to go now. Sorry for all our sins against you. For hurting you, for laughing, for keeping silent. Sorry for the not so good stories we have shared. Sorry for not taking really good care of you. WE FORGIVE YOU , Father Roy, of all your sins if in any way you have sinned against any of us.

Most of all, WE LOVE YOU, Father Roy. These words say it all. You are no longer with us, but you will always be in our hearts. We promise to pray for you – always. Please pray for us, too.

Eternal rest, grant unto you, Father Roy. Let perpetual light, shine upon you. May you now rest in peace. Amen.

THANK YOU, ST. JOHN VIANNEY!

2010-02-22T04:53:00.001-08:00

We would like to thank all our friends who supported our play in the seminary. Thanks especially to the media which covered it: Eva Visperas of Philippine Star/Sunday Punch, Recah Trinidad of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Balitang Amianan (Dagupan), and the CBCP Monitor. We congratulate Fr. Jonathan Songcuan for doing a splendid job as Director once again!

A new basketball court will soon rise in the compound of the seminary. God bless all our donors. Thank you St. John Mary Vianney!

Padre Juan Vianney: Konpesor

2010-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

PLAY ON ST. JOHN VIANNEY

2010-02-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

A confessor is an equivocal term, that means, it can be understood in several ways. We would think that a confessor is one who hears confessions and gives absolution, like our priests. It is true. But it also means, "one who confesses faith in Christianity in the face of persecution but does not suffer martyrdom (www. thefreedictionary. com)." They have exemplary life and virtue.

Some of the confessors of the Catholic Church are: St. Athanasius, St. Anthony, St. Martin, St. Edward and others. St. John Vianney, the Cure d'Ars is also a confessor in both meanings we have indicated above.

2009-2010 has been declared by Pope Benedict XVI as the Year for Priests, in commemoration of the 150th year after the 'dies natalis' of St. John Vianney, who is soon to be declared the patron of "all" priests. Yes, not just the parish priests but of all our priests.

The Mary Help of Christians College Seminary, following the huge success of Damasku: Landas ni Pablo in 2009, is producing another play. This time, most fittingly, on Padre Juan Vianney: Konpesor. For the second time, Chad Pecson, now a graduating seminarian, wrote the book, and once again, Fr. Jonathan directs. The play is produced by the Archdiocesan Lay Formation Center.

There is a big surprise, a miracle we can say, about what happens in our experiences in the production of plays. We always use the desert minimalism as a strategy to highlight the meaning and the drama of the story and practice kabuki noir to approach complicated thoughts and feelings. The music is done by the seminarians themselves using Abraenian indigenous instruments, and the lights are only installed because of necessity. And yet, the production always becomes "huge" like last year, again like this year. Thanks to the seminarians who have such a big heart in putting all their best to do justice to the person, theme and message of both plays.

Be a part of this great project. Come and see: Padre Juan Vianney: Konpesor this week - February 18-21, Thursday to Saturday at 6pm. For tickets, make a donation to the seminary for the much needed repairs.

IMPROVEMENTS

2009-05-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

This summer, Msgr. Mario R. Morales, our Rector has worked on some major repairs in the seminary. Here are the most important projects. Thanks to all the benefactors of the Damaskus (play) and to Ms. San Jose. Thanks also to Mrs. Leila Cruz and her family (St. Joseph Drug Stores) for continuing to support and maintain our seminary library.

The chapel has a new ceiling, and is being re-painted.

The entire building has new windows.

Here are two new shrines in front of the chapel building:

The Crucifix

Our Lady, Mater Purissima (bust sculpture by ALD's Archbishop in the 1960s, +Msgr. Mariano Madriaga).

GRADUATING CLASS of MHCCS

2009-03-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

WACKY PICTURES (iS tHAt tHe WaY to SpeLL iT?)

2009-03-26T09:49:00.001-07:00

For the PETRUS 2009, the Yearbook of the College Seminary, pictures were taken today, March 26. The graduation of the 7 seniors will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 9AM.

THESIS DEFENSE

2009-02-26T14:47:00.001-08:00

The candidates of graduation at the College Seminary defended their junior thesis on February 26, 2009. This is the second year that the parents of the seminarians were invited to witness the defense of their sons. This batch has produced a good number of well-written thesis on philosophers like Nel Noddings, John Rawls, Edith Stein, John Heschel and others.

THANK YOU!

2009-02-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Our seminary will start our one-million-peso repair project this summer. The "Damasku" Play was able to raise more than P400,000. Thanks to all who contributed!

Since Tuesday, we have continued to receive more donations. We still have a long way to go, but we are so very grateful for the generosity of people who are helping the seminary:

Dr. Carlito V. Arenas
Mr. Eddie Managaytay
Malasiqui Catholic School
Mr. Monico Callao
Mr. & Mrs. Tirso del Rosario
Mr. & Mrs. Clint del Rosario
Mrs. Silvana M. de Vera
Mrs. Isidora Jimenez
Mrs. Myrna T. Fernandez

God bless you!

FINANCIAL REPORT (Damasku)

2009-02-17T03:19:00.000-08:00

In the interest of transparency, we would like to present our financial report about the recent play, DAMASKU: LANDAS NI PABLO. The Proceeds of the Project all go to the repair of the 20-year-old seminary building. All receipts and records are in the seminary's finance office.

Report is dated 17 February 2009. We still encourage our benefactors who are thinking to donate for the repair of the seminary to give their gifts thru the finance office of the seminary. All donations are given receipts. The cost of this repair project is more than one million pesos. Call Ms. Rea Cayabyab (075) 515 5720.

Income:
Donors/Sponsors/Ads: P 377,800.00
Ticket Sales: 81,750.00
Souvenir Items: 7,864.75
Total Income: P 467,414.75

Expenses:
Props: P 2,218.00
Gas for Fr. Jonathan: 2,000.00
Postages: 1,246.00
Printer Ink: 1,345.00
Lights: 5,000.00
Snacks for Extras: 1,724.00
Transportation: 1,352.00
Boom Microphone: 4,000.00
Sound System: 5,000.00
Batteries: 1,225.00
Honorarium for Fr. Jonathan: 20,000.00
Posters and Print Materials: 18,000.00
Tarpauline: 3,750.00
Total Expenses: 66,860.00

Income (P467,414.75) minus Expenses: (Php 66,860.00) equals the Net Income of Php 400,554.75.

Collectibles: Php 23,600.00

Production Cost sponsored by LFC is P 99,259.00 (Stage Construction, Lights, Costume, Food and Labor).

DAMASKU FINALE (Memorable Moments - 2)

2009-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Happy Cast

The Pablos (Kenneth and Norman)

Pablo giving the final blessing.

The Memorial of the Eucharist

Timothy Recalling Paul

The Beheading of Paul

The Final Moment

The Courage of Paul

Paul and Nero

Paul and Nero

Nero

Suffering and Paul

Suffering

The Bipolar Nero

The Writing of the Epistles

The Missionary Journey

DAMASKU (Memorable Moments - I)

2009-02-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

"Damasku: Landas ni Pablo" will have its finale tomorrow, Sunday, 15 February 2009. Call us for tickets. 515 8306 (LFC HOTLINE)

The Opening Prayer

The Discipleship

The Baptism of Paul

The Council of Jerusalem (with Peter and the apostles)

Nero

The Suffering of Paul

The Trial of Paul

Paul's Death

THANK YOU!

2009-02-13T06:24:00.001-08:00

Thank you very much for responding to our invitation. Our play, DAMASKU: LANDAS NI PABLO is still on-going. It opened Thursday, and it will have its finale on Sunday at 6PM. We are inviting our friends and acquaintances as well as the lay faithful to come and see the show tomorrow, Saturday (February 14) at 6PM. We still have some tickets. Sunday show at 6PM is already sold-0ut.

POSTER in the CBCP MONITOR

2009-02-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

Damasku poster appears on the 6th page of CBCP Monitor coming out on national circulation this week. Thanks to the Editor, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III!

Recah Trinidad's article in the INQUIRER

2009-02-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

We thank the popular sports writer, Recah Trinidad for including this article in his column, "Bare Eye" in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 7, 2009.

The last part has these details:

(SEMINARY PLAY: The Mary Help of Christian College Seminary of Barangay Bonuan Gueset will present Damaku: Landas ni Pablo, a play on the life of St. Paul, at the Teatro Seminario in Dagupan City on Feb. 12 to 15. The all-seminarian project, based on St. Paul’s experience on the Road to Damascus, where he met the Risen Christ, is part of the 2,000th birthday commemoration of St. Paul. Proceeds will go to the repair of an old seminary. Please call (075) 5158306 for details.)

"Damasku" in Philippine STAR

2009-02-06T03:18:00.000-08:00

Seminary to present play on life of St. Paul
(Philippine Star, February 5, 2009, Business Section, page B-11 [People/Events])

DAGUPAN CITY - The Mary Help of Christians College Seminary (MHCCS) in Barangay Bonuan Gueset here in Dagupan City in cooperation with the Lay Formation Center (LFC) will present a play on the life of St. Paul titled "Damasku: Landas ni Pablo" on Feb. 12 to 15 at 6 p.m. at the Teatro Seminario.

The all-seminarian project is based on the experience of Paul on the road to Damascus where he encountered the Risen Christ. This encounter is actually the radiating center of hi conversion and mission to the Church.

The seminarian claim they, too, have a Damascus experience, a Damasku, a reson from which they draw the meaning of their vocation.

Fr. Mario Dominic C. Sanchez, LFC director and dean of studies at the MHCCS, said seminarians in the seminary know they are now in Damascus.

"Seminary life is a different kind of life wherein they have to follow strict rules for study period, prayer, housework and community activities," he said.

Sanchez said seminarians believe that this project on St. Paul will somehow serve as an avenue for them to show what they are going through.

"St. Paul walked that way before. So they hope that those who would watch the play can also journey through a Damascus road, and like Paul, they can, even by just a simple play, make a difference," he said.

The play is the MHCCS' response to the decree of Pope Benedict XVI making June 2008 to June 2009 as the Year of St. Paul to commemorate the saint's 2000th birth anniversary.

Support to the play can make a difference in the seminary's project to repair its 20-year old building. Please call (075) 515 8306 or (075) 515 5720 for more details about the play and for ticket reservations.

DAMASKU Play

2009-01-27T21:23:00.001-08:00

A SEMINARIANS’ PROJECT:

A Play on St. Paul: DAMASKU

by Fr. Mario Dominic C. Sanchez

IN JUNE 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI decreed that June 2008 to June 2009 to be “The Year of St. Paul” commemorating the 2,000^th anniversary of the birth of the said Saint.

In response to such a noble call, the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary in Dagupan City is presenting a play on the life of St. Paul, entitled, “Damasku: Landas ni Pablo.” The all-seminarian project is based on the experience of Paul on the road to Damascus, where and when he encountered the Risen Christ. This encounter is actually the radiating center of his conversion and mission to the Church.

The play is written and directed by Danille Chad Pecson and produced by Clemence Doria – both seminarians from the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. The seminarians taking the lead role as Paul are Norman Lalas of the Diocese of Alaminos and Kenneth Azares from the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia (Ilocos Sur). Playdates are February 12, 13, 14, and 15 at 6 PM at the Teatro Seminario.

WHY DAMASKU?

“Hindi ka ba nagtataka, Bernabe, na sa munting daan ng Damasku, naganap ang pinakamakahulugang pangyayari sa buhay ni Pablo? Dahil nakita niya dito si Kristo.”

St. Paul calls himself the least of the apostles of Christ, but nonetheless one, because of his real personal encounter with the Risen Lord. This encounter is the pivot of his entire life, which he calls a life “in Christ.” In Christ, Paul’s life has never been the same again.

The seminarians all claim that they have a Damascus experience, a Damasku, a reason from which they draw the meaning of their vocation. Bayani Antiporda, who is completing his studies in philosophy this March, is already 25 years old. He finished accountancy and was working as a bank employee in Vigan. But he had a turning point when he joined the Youth Ministry in his parish. Encountering Christ has made his life completely changed. He left his job, like the first apostles Simon and Andrew, and followed Jesus.

A DIFFERENT PAUL

Paul was Saul before he met Christ. He was a pious Jew who had the zeal and wisdom of a high-rank Pharisee. He persecuted the Christians and tormented Christ. He probably was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to death. But his life became different after the encounter, he became an ardent apostle of the same Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus, the difference in Paul “before” and “after” the encounter with Christ.

Seminary life is a different kind of life. When the fifteen current freshmen entered the College Seminary last June, they were made to realize this. They are no regular college students. They would have to follow strict rules for study period, prayer, house work and community activities. “Keep the rules and the rules will keep you” is still a wise adage in the seminary for inculcating both exterior and interior discipline. Wake up at 5:30 AM for prayers. No friendster and chatting, but use the internet only for research. No cellphones. Sleep at 10:30 by the sound of the bell.

Lifestyle in the seminary is also different. Values are given to simplicity, piety and charity over what a typical college would consider in popularity, competition and external beauty. During the Linggo ng Wika celebration in August, the seminarians had a “Lakan ng Wika” search. What became a surprise was that the criteria were not about “beauty and brains” but about character and intelligence. Jaime Andres, a graduating student from the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union, who began his journey in the seminary as a 13-year old “minor seminarian” won the title. He plays Barnabas.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

To make a world a better place is probably a tall, if not trite, order. However, everyone who believes in hope can even in a small way accomplish change in this world.

The seminarians believe this. When they decided to stage a play, they knew they had only a few resources. The Archdiocesan Lay Formation Center (LFC) promised the construction of the stage, the costumes and food, but the rest is up to them. It was a gargantuan task.

Without reservation however, they began to divide themselves into onstage and offstage actors. Some took charge of the directing, music, dances, costume, lights, make-up, physical arrangement and others. Fr. Jonathan Songcuan, a theater expert, is consulted on a daily basis. They were given permission for rehearsals but only 25 in number, every evening after their night prayers and before they go for the night’s rest.

Despite the challenges, all of them know for certain that the whole experience will eventually be formative. That’s the key word. Formative. Paul’s encounter with the Risen Christ was the event, but his journey to, through and from Damascus was formative of the event. All these seminarians in the seminary know they are now in Damascus.

They believe that this project on St. Paul will somehow serve as an avenue for them to show what they are going through. St. Paul walked that way before. So they hope that those who would watch the play can also journey through a Damascus road, and like Paul, they can, even by just a simply play, make a difference.

For the support of this play or for tickets, please call (075) 515-8306 or (075) 515-5720.

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2009-01-18T04:03:00.001-08:00