Priest-formators, seminarians, faculty members, personnel, staff, and lay collaborators of the Cebu Archdiocesan Seminaries gathered at the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod for the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, marking the formal opening of the Formation Year 2026–2027.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy and concelebrated by the seminary rectors and priest-formators.
In his homily, Archbishop Abet underscored the significance of beginning the new formation year with a Mass of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that a seminary is not merely an institution that produces graduates, but a sacred community that forms shepherds after the heart of Christ—a mission that can only be accomplished through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
Drawing from the Gospel’s Parable of the Sower, where the seed symbolizes the Word of God, the Archbishop noted that the seed itself is always good; the challenge lies in the condition of the soil that receives it. He then posed a thought-provoking question to the seminarians: “What kind of soil are you?”
Inviting them to open themselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, Archbishop Abet encouraged every seminarian to continually ask for three essential gifts: a listening heart that is attentive to God’s voice, a disciplined heart that remains faithful amid challenges, and a shepherd’s heart that is ready to serve God’s people with humility and love.
He further reminded the future priests that intellectual formation and natural talents, while important, must always be rooted in charity.
“Knowledge without love can make a priest proud, and talent without love can make a priest self-centered,” Archbishop Abet said, stressing that authentic priestly formation is ultimately measured not by achievement, but by one’s capacity to love as Christ loves.
Prior to the Holy Mass, the Archbishop led the unveiling of the Santiago Tanchan Sr. Memorial Hall Renovation and Enhancement Project.
Following the liturgy, the rectors of the various seminaries formally presented to the Archbishop the priest-formators, lay companions, and the 317 seminarians currently undergoing formation at the different stages of their vocational journey.
The Archdiocesan Vocation Director, Fr. Christian James Mayol, likewise presented the Formation Itinerary aligned with the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, the Church’s guiding framework for priestly formation.
As a new chapter begins, the local Church prays that these future shepherds may continue to grow in holiness, wisdom, and pastoral charity. May the Holy Spirit, the source of every vocation, guide, strengthen, and inspire them throughout this Formation Year as they prepare to answer God’s call with generous and faithful hearts.