San Jacinto Seminary ( Alimanao Bridge, Peñablanca) Included in the list as one of the Roman Catholic Seminaries in the world.
Me and my sister visited Cagayan Valley lately, there were 2 reasons for our visit; one is to attend the funeral of our aunt and to visit our hometown. I was very happy to meet my relatives I haven’t seen for long years,they all look younger than ever before our last meeting. It was a big welcome and celebration for us.We chatted and shared stories for long hours. Once again,I’m back to my roots. The second day, We went to visit my 2 nephews currently studying in San Jacinto Seminary.
San Jacinto seminary is located in Tuguegarao city. A peaceful seminary that sits on top of the mountain with a scenic view of the hills, huge farms and the beautiful sunset. What a stunning scenery to view! You can even feel the refreshing pressure of the mountain breeze on top.
I thought it was a regular school day,there was a major activity to be celebrated during that time. It was the ”Year of the Faith”, it was the ”First novena of the feast day of San Jacinto.” We attended the evening mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Bernard B.Corpus, present rector of San Jacinto Seminary.The two new formators, Rev. Fr. Julius Teano as the Prefect of Discipline and Rev. Fr. Brien Catabay as the Spiriual Director and with them is Msgr. Henry Singayan.
I was very proud to see my nephew (Buddy) who plays the piano during the mass. Buddy’s younger brother EJ was well-behaved too. After that,we got the chance to gather for a quick snack although, with a very limited time. I guess,we need to follow the rules of the seminary,we only stayed in the areas designated for parents and visitors.We brought pizza,crispy fried chicken,pastries,chocolates,assorted candies and a lot more to be shared.No problem about the drinks,the cold drinks is always available in the canteen. The food we brought there was a variety of healthy intakes.For all of us, it was a bonding opportunity for moral growth as far as value formation is concerned.
I was impressed and so much to say about this Seminary. I want to share my views about it and due to this reason, I want to publish it right away. I was so impressed on how the seminarians behave, well-disciplined and mentally alert. Sometimes, We give credit to the school’s reputation for the quality education and discipline.
(Click on images to view larger)
The aerial view of San Jacinto Seminary. It was bit dark and cloudy, rain is about to come when I took this shot . (Sorry for this picture,it was a bit blurry)
San Jacinto Seminary
Shots taken around 5 pm.
We arrived before 5 in the afternoon. The way going through reaching the top,it was a hill climb.
Like most catholic devotions, attending mass is an obligation. I have observed many things; how the seminarians politely greeted the visitors around, how they prepared the altar, as it was well organized. The venue was filled with seminarians and parents.
San Jacinto Seminary Chapel where the evening mass was held.
During the mass, it was quiet and solemn.The seminarians sings with the accompaniment of the piano that filled the whole area. You can even feel the presence of God.
Note: (I don’t attempt to disturb and take forbidden shots. This shot was captured far behind the glass window)
The 3 brothers; Buddy,Ej and Lanz. (Buddy and Ej with their school uniform) I’m sure,Lanz the youngest in the family would be the next,he will also be a seminarian soon. San Jacinto Seminary is a blessing for my 2 nephews. It is a good framework with a good sense of direction for them.I guess my brother will not regret sending his 2 sons to this seminary.
I was also impressed to see the cleanliness and orderliness of the school campus.
Sports yard
Cleanliness around the whole campus.
This is how they manage their waste. The sun ray pointing to the definite subject of cleanliness. There’s a huge container to dispose empty cans and bottles. Everything was in order. There’s a definite place to store the biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The awareness of the environment,the universal motto of the environmentalists, Reduce,Reuse,Recycle that a student must know to save mother earth.
The very supportive parents; Marte and Elvie giving some reminders during their Sunday visit. Always there to respond to all the needs of the 2 boys.Perhaps,Its a responsibility ,commitment and expectations building the hopes and dreams of their children.
It’s time to enjoy the hot pizza!
Today’s favorite is Pizza that goes well with our favorite drinks too.
The Crispy fried chicken is yummy too!
This is a funny thing ! While eating,an uninvited guests showed up. Dog’s sense of smell when it comes to food is powerful. I guess,we have to bond with them too. If I value friendship with the school then I will also value friendship with animals as well.I just have to include them here.
Here’s the other one. Got 2 dogs now. It’s dalmatian dog appeared while photographing the sunset. I just have to include him as it wants it that way together with the view of the sunset.Funny,isn’t it?
Other shots taken during our visit
The 2 brothers; Buddy and Ej
Buddy with the view of the sunset.
The sunset descending in the horizon. Down there,you can see the vast vegetation,the mountains and the hills. It was a beautiful landscape down there. People in Cagayan enjoys all the advantages of having large farms and vegetation.
One memorable shot was the beautiful sunset taken behind the San Jacinto Seminary building! It was glorious and beautiful !I’ve taken few shots of sunset during my visit there. It was already published earlier than this.
So far, I was exhausted doubled with mixed feeling of happiness and loneliness. I was happy to meet old friends and relatives but, at the same time,I was so sad because of the sudden death of my aunt.
My Message to All Seminarians,
Just like me too,as a former Paulinian, A good impression of the school is very important.I never forget the school that raised me to become one and now, a blogger. Make sure to remember all the glorious 4 years of high school life in San Jacinto Seminary.Learn to start a brighter outlook inner and outer side of you. Soon, you will accomplish something bigger that will give you a brighter future that more than your hearts and mind have dreamed about. Your four years stay in the seminary would be worth remembering to be the best years of your life.
Thank you very much and May God bless you all !
Note:
All pictures was taken during my Cagayan tour. It’s quiet a long blog with 918 words and 25 pictures all in all.