Today, the community of Pope John XXIII Seminary (PJS) celebrates its 26th Annual Fiesta in honor of the minor seminary’s titular patron, with the theme: “Living Together as a School of Love Towards Becoming a Listening Church.”
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass at St. John Mary Vianney Chapel. He was joined by the PJS priest-formators led by Fr. Allan P. Delima (Rector), and other guest priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Uy reminded the seminarians that the ultimate goal of formation is not merely to become priests, but to become more like Christ.
“The highest goal of formation is not simply ordination. It is transformation into Christ,” he said.
He emphasized that entering the seminary is only the beginning of a journey of faith, discernment, and personal transformation.
Through prayer, study, sacrifices, and the guidance of their formators, seminarians are called to develop not only their knowledge but also their character, humility, compassion, and love for others.
He also underscored that a vocation does not grow in the seminary alone but its first seeds are planted at home.
“Dear parents, your role is not simply to bring your son to the seminary and say, ‘Father, kamo na bahala niya.’ Formation continues at home. Every vocation is, in a certain sense, a community project. God calls, but He uses many people to help a person answer that call,” said Archbishop Abet.
Reflecting on the Gospel and drawing inspiration from the life of St. John XXIII, the good Archbishop reminded them that accepting God’s invitation also means allowing it to transform their hearts and lives.
“John XXIII allowed his encounter with Christ to shape the kind of person he became … It is not enough to accept the invitation. We must allow the invitation to change us. It is not enough to enter the seminary. The deeper question is: Is the seminary entering your heart?” he exhorted.
May Pope St. John XXIII continue to inspire our seminarians to grow in holiness, humility, and love, that they may faithfully discern God’s call and become living witnesses of Christ to His people.