Currents

First Prayer Session Centers on the Importance of the Family
by: Sem. Jesson Macam

HAPPY, SURPRISED, INSPIRED — these are but few among the many attributes to describe the seminarians last July 9, 2006 as they welcomed their parents and visitors for the first prayer session for the F.Y. 2006-2007 with the theme, "Family: Cradle of Life and Love."

As early as 8:00 a.m., visitors from different places, started coming. After an hour, the program commenced. The Junior class gave their warm and tender welcome to the visitors as they passionately sang and danced "Welcome to the Family." It was followed by a one-act-play, originally written by Sem. Frenz Reynee Cerezo, which was performed by the Sophomore class. It portrayed the importance of the family in every one’s life. Everybody was all ears and deadly silent for the performance was beautiful and poignant.

After the play, Msgr. Mario Morales, the new Rector of MHCCS, gave an inspirational talk in line with the theme of the said gathering. By 10:30 am, the whole community celebrated the Holy Eucharist. It was presided over by the new rector together with Fr. Arnelle Ariston (Spiritual and Pastoral Director), Fr. Roberto Villamil (Procurator), Fr. Mario Sanchez (Dean of Studies) and Fr. Jim Cerezo (Prefect of Discipline) as concelebrants.

Before the Eucharistic celebration ended, two persons from the community were called to share their own views about the theme. Sem. Chad Daniel Pecson, a freshman student of MHCCS, shared that the family, especially the parents, are great instruments in forming the vocation of seminarians. Mrs. Ma. Elena B. Ugaban, a mother of a seminarian, shared to all present her joy and deep gratitude to the Lord for a having a seminarian son. She also emphasized the importance of showing one’s love to one’s parents as long as they are still alive for no one knows what will happen in the future. On that day was also the 43rd birthday of Msgr. Morales. The whole community prayed for him and greeted him by singing a birthday song.

After the Holy Mass, the seminarians enjoyed a lavish meal with the presence of their parents and loved ones.

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OVC Presides Over the Holy Spirit Mass
by: Sem. Norman Paul P. Lalas

EARLY IN THE MORNING of the 17th day of June, 2006, the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary Community celebrated the Holy Spirit Mass. It was presided over by the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Most Reverend Oscar V. Cruz together with the seminary formators as concelebrants.

The Holy Spirit Mass marked the formal commencement of the Formation Year 2006-2007. The mass was offered to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance for a fruitful formation year. In his homily, the Archbishop challenged everyone present not to be afraid in proclaiming the truth especially in this present time when evil abounds, for the Holy Spirit is always there to guide and protect them. He said, "Huwag kayong matakot. Tibayan ninyo ang inyong loob!"

Along with the Eucharistic Celebration was the induction of the First Semester Executive Board headed by Sem. Jupiter S. Bulatao, the newly elected General Beadle of the seminary community. The new formators, Rev. Fr. Mario "Ayong" Morales (Rector), Rev. Fr. Jim Cerezo (Prefect of Discipline), Rev. Fr. Roberto Villamil (Procurator), Rev. Fr. Arnelle Ariston ( Spiritual Director), and Rev Fr. Mario Dominic Sanchez (Dean of Studies) also pledged their loyalty to their given responsibilities.

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Freshmen and Sophomores take the Diagnostic Test in English
by: Sem. James Anthony S.Quinto

The first year and second year college seminarians of MHCCS took a Diagnostic Test in English last July 6, 2006. The test was held at the Lay Formation Center (LFC) under the supervision of their English instructor, Rev. Fr. Mario Dominic C. Sanchez.

The test started at around 9:00 am, which lasted for about 2-3 hours. The test was all about the English language. The purpose of this diagnostic test is to know the literacy of the seminarians to the said language. The test was consisted of approximately 190 items and the passing grade was a breathtaking 90 percent. Out of the total items, seminarians ought to get a high score of 172 correct answers in order to pass the said test. The highest passer of the examination is entitled of one month free board and lodging courtesy of Fr. Mario Sanchez.

Two weeks after the examination, the result was released and it was evidently poor (66%-highest; 1%-lowest). Unfortunately, there were no seminarians who passed the exam. Therefore, it means that both classes will have to take the test for the second time. Though the result was such, the seminarians believed that they did their best for the recent test. They are more determined to pass the next test which will be on the first Thursday of August.

The English test is a three-round exam conducted every first Thursday of July, August and Semptember. But if a seminarian obtained a passing score on the first attempt, he needs not to take the second or third test. However, if he does not make it among the three attempts, he will have to rethink for himself if he could meet the seminary’s academic standard. The test is just a concrete proof that the seminary is seriuosly concerned when it comes to the academic formation of her seminarians.