Earlier today, 12 seminarians from San Carlos Seminary College (SCSC) received the Cassock and Surplice during the Rite of Investiture.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Rite. He was joined by SCSC priest-formators led by the rector Fr. Alvin Raypan.
In his homily, Archbishop Abet cautioned seminarians against one of the most dangerous illusions in the spiritual life—especially within the seminary walls: the belief that holiness is simply a matter of not breaking the rules.
He stressed that Christian discipleship goes far beyond external correctness. Jesus does not call His followers merely to be compliant, but to be integrated—men whose faith, character, choices, and inner life are woven together in authenticity.
“Seminary life can tempt us to measure holiness externally. But Jesus is not impressed by technical innocence. He is concerned with: What do you harbor in your heart? What resentments do you entertain? What desires do you secretly feed? What truths do you avoid?,” said Archbishop Abet.
He urged them not to aim to become acceptable priests. Rather, ask for the grace to become true shepherds — men whose lives are transparent before God and His people.
The wearing of these vestments continues to be a visible sign of belief and the consecration of one’s life to the service of the Lord and His Church.
Let us continually pray for more vocations to the priesthood. May God send more workers to his vineyard.