The lay benefactors and friends of Pope John XXIII Minor Seminary gathered today for Plevium Amoris, or the “Pledge of Love”—an occasion of gratitude, fellowship, and a shared commitment to nurturing priestly vocations.

The gathering seeks to introduce the seminary and its mission to the guests, while inviting them to become part of the PJS family.

More than simply raising funds, the initiative calls on benefactors and friends to share their time, talents, and resources in sustaining the seminary’s formation and various endeavors.

The gathering began with a Holy Mass presided over by Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy, followed by a short program at Galilee Central.

In his homily, Archbishop Abet underscored that a priest is not made on the day of his ordination. Rather, he is built slowly—through years of prayer, study, discipline, community life, pastoral exposure, struggles, corrections, sacrifices, and, at times, even tears.

Beyond financial support, the Archbishop emphasized that benefactors have a deeper role: they help build lives, nurture vocations, and ultimately take part in Christ’s work of building His Church.

“To all our benefactors and friends here today: you are also builders. You may never preach from a pulpit. You may never celebrate Mass. You may never hear confessions. You may never baptize a child or anoint a dying person. But perhaps one day, because of your generosity, a priest will,” Archbishop Abet said.

He also called attention to the growing need to support new vocations, noting that many of today’s clergy are already advancing in age.

As the Church prays for and welcomes more young men to the priesthood, their journey also requires the prayers, encouragement, and generosity of the faithful.

For some young men, the vocation, generosity, and desire to serve God may already be present—but financial limitations can stand in the way. This is why Archbishop Abet urged the faithful to extend a helping hand to those discerning and pursuing the priesthood.

“Kon wala moy anak nga magpari, tabang lang mog gasto sa laing bata nga gusto magpari,” he said.

A vocation may begin with a whisper in a young man’s heart, but it takes a community to help that calling grow. Through prayer, encouragement, and generosity, the faithful can become part of the journey that leads a young man to the altar—and, ultimately, to a life given in service to God and His people.

May we continue to pray for more vocations to the priesthood, and for more generous hearts willing to help build them