The Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in the Archdiocese of San Fernando in Pampanga marked its 70th year on July 4.
The day was highlighted by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which was broadcast online, led by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias.
In his message, the archbishop expressed his commitment to continue and sustain the good works of formation of his predecessors.
“We will continue to form young candidates to the diocesan presbyteral ministry who will be servant leaders of the Church,” said Archbishop Lavarias.
Seminary formator Father Victor Nicdao said the seminary has adopted ways of formation to address the demands of the changing times while remaining rooted on Gospel values.
“Amid the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary continues to celebrate His life and mission, strengthened in faith, renewed in hope and sent in love,” he said.
On July 4, 1950, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero realized his vision of putting up a diocesan seminary in the town of Guagua.
Originally, the seminary was named “Mater Boni Consilii,” of The Mother of Good Counsel, because of the bishop’s devotion to the Blessed Mother.
In 1952, the seminary was transferred to the nearby town of Apalit for a much better location, and where it operated for 10 years.
In 1962, Archbishop Emilio Cinense sustained the vision and eventually found a more suitable place for the seminary in its present location in the city of San Fernando.
During his term as San Fernando archbishop, Archbishop Oscar Cruz expanded the seminary with the establishment of a major seminary.
When Archbishop Paciano Aniceto took over, he committed himself to making sure that the seminary become truly the heart of the archdiocese.
More than 70 percent of the archdiocese’s 150 priests today have been trained at the seminary, which has also produced eight bishops.
