Art for SAS slated on November 9-?

sasaai2007 — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:57:52 +0000

Art aficionados and SAS supporters will come together on November 9, 6pm, at the GSIS ___ , CCP Complex for the opening of an art exhibit featuring the works of well-known Filipino artists such as, ____.

Dubbed “Art for SAS”, the exhibit is a fund-raising project by the Saint Augustine Seminary Alumni Association, Inc. (SASAAI) for the Saint Augustine Seminary (SAS) in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Among those expected to attend are _____.

On opening day, ___ will be featured.

The exhibit will run from Nov 9-?.

For more information, please call _____.

Alumni hold Family Day

sasaai2007 — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:56:43 +0000

What was the purpose of the family day?

When and where was it held?

How many attended?

Who were the special guests?

What were the main activities?

What were the highlights?

Any quotes from people who attended?

When will be the next family day?

SAS celebrates 45th anniversary

sasaai2007 — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:54:35 +0000

What was the theme of the anniversary?

When and where was it held?

How many people attended?

Who were the special guests?

What were the main activities?

What were the highlights of the event?

What decisions or directions were set?

When and where will be the next anniversary celebration?

What will be the theme?

What can be expected of it?

SAS: Poised for a Renaissance

sasaai2007 — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:33:12 +0000

“Father, are there still young men entering the seminary at present and are willing to become priests?” An alumnus from the pioneer batch once queried when we visited him with the intention of soliciting support for the seminary. On another occasion, a batch mate forthrightly confronted me, “We want to help, but may we know what’s happening now in the formation of future priests so we can be sure that our support will not come to naught?” These reactions could be considered indicative of the waning awareness of seminary affairs among our people, but more significantly, a manifestation of the flourishing desire among many to get involved in the formation of priests with a sense of urgency and genuine concern.

May we then gratefully proclaim that SAS now is poised for a renaissance! We are on the road towards restoring not just the glory days of our beloved SAS but transforming her into a true HOME where the profound spirit of Hapag ng Pamilyang Mindoreòo could be relished. A home where a culture of trust and openness is cultivated. A welcoming community where seminarians could feel a deep sense of belongingness, where they can be themselves while aspiring to be the best that they can be.

In adherence to the theological treatise that grace builds on nature, the formation of the human person is now given utmost consideration. Psycho-emotional dynamics, seminar-workshops on Sexuality and counseling sessions have become regular features of the seminary formation. With the all out support of the bishop, seminary formators are given the opportunity to regularly undergo updating courses and trainings in order to gain wisdom and enhance their skills to be more adept in journeying with and facilitating the seminarians’ growth in maturity. The human formation is supplemented by the same rigorous spiritual tradition the seminary is known for flowing from the wellspring of lively, creative and meaningful liturgical celebrations. Various ways of prayer, spiritual exercises and devotions, be they personal or by class, communal or in Bible Sharing Groups (BSGs), and Religious Education courses are venues for deepening faith experience so Christ will be more intimately known, ardently loved and faithfully followed.

The legendary intellectual training the seminary is famous for is now being revitalized with a deep resolve to make the academic enterprise challenging but fulfilling. The curriculum is on a continual process of adaptation and development to be more responsive to the signs of the time. It is therefore noteworthy to find besides Philosophy such courses as Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Ecological Ethics, Computer Graphics, Speech Communications and Economics imbedded in the academic program. Study tours and exposures are now integrated in the academic calendar and the groundwork is being laid down for a possible reestablishment of a High School for Boys. Conscious of the need for mastery not just of theories but in praxis, seminarians today are initiated into pastoral work in order to develop their heart for mission. Practical Courses on Evangelism, Communications for Development, Leadership and Catechesis help form seminarians to become men for God and for others.

We know that all of these strivings for renewal are contingent upon the quality of seminarians whom we get from among the ranks of the youth. We therefore follow Jesus’ injunction to go and cast our nets into the deep, to develop more seed beds where the desire for priesthood could take root, to intensify vocation animation among families, students, altar boys, youth movements, young professionals, and even among children. Partnerships with the alumni, with parishes and religious groups, with civic organizations and members of the Seminary Aid Society (SASAid) are being strengthened to galvanize support for the nurturance of priestly vocations. This synergy has begun to bear fruit with several seminarians benefiting from Perpetual Endowments for Poor Seminarians (PEPS) and from the alumni scholarship fund. The rehabilitation and development of the seminary facilities is also in full swing notwithstanding meager resources. Priority projects include the restoration of the once unparalleled Science Laboratory now dedicated to the late Fr. Josef Klar, SVD, the construction of a Speech Laboratory, the constant updating of library collections and the procurement of up-to-date audio-visual equipments.

Indeed, with God’s grace and with our enlivened solidarity, SAS is poised for a renaissance! A renewal is in the offing meant for greater service to the local church of Mindoro . May our efforts be ultimately directed to the realization of our founder’s vision…REGNET DEUS INTRA NOS.

Fr. Andy Peter M. Lubi

SAS Rector

October 4, 2007