Today, the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos (SMSC) held its commencement exercises, led by Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, Archbishop of Cebu and Chairman of the SMSC Board of Bishops.
There were a total of 15 graduates for the Priesthood Curriculum—14 seminarians and one layperson. 13 were conferred with the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM), and one with the Master of Arts in Theology.
Sem. Arniel Cabornay Abante and Sem. Alexis Bagona Negro from the Diocese of Dumaguete and Talibon, respectively, were conferred with the San Carlos Award.
The award is given to seminarians who have demonstrated well-rounded growth—as a person, in faith, in learning, and in serving others—reflecting what it means to become a good priest.
Before the graduation rites, Archbishop Uy presided over the Baccalaureate Mass.
In his homily, the good Archbishop reminded the graduates of the realities of the priesthood, especially for those who will respond to the call of serving the Church, encouraging them to remain humble and see every opportunity to serve as a source of joy.
“You are not called because you are the best. You are called because God is good. Remain humble, remain prayerful, remain close to Jesus. By being faithful to your prayers. Stay with Him–especially in the Eucharist. Because only a priest who stays with Jesus can bring Jesus to others,” he said.
Let us continue to pray for our dear seminarians as they respond to God’s call to be ministers for His people.