OPENING REMARKS

Launching Program of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration

of the Foundation Day of Seminario de San Jose on November 14, 2012

Most Rev. Pedro D. Arigo, DD, Apostolic Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto
Princesa, Most Rev. Edgardo S. Juanich, DD, Apostolic Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay,
Rev. Msgr. Jose D. Delfin, PhD, Rector of Seminario de San Jose, Rev. Msgrs., my fellow priest
formators of the seminary, the members of the clergy of the Apostolic Vicariates of Puerto
Princesa and Taytay, religious Sisters, Faculty and Staff, our benefactors, ever-supportive
parents, the Hijos de San Jose, seminarians, guests, brothers and sisters in Christ:

Pope Benedict XVI during his meeting with priests in the Cathedral of Brindisi on June
15, 2008 said, “The seminary is a precious investment for the future, because it ensures that
through the patient and generous work, the Christian community will not be deprived of
shepherds of souls, of teachers of faith and of zealous guides and witnesses of Christ’s charity.”

The seminary, true to its Latin origin, seminarium, which means, “plant nursery,” a
“seedbed,” and figuratively, a “breeding ground,” is, a formation house or training school for
the future shepherds of souls, of teachers of faith and of zealous guides and witnesses of
Christ’s charity. Since its foundation in the year 1937, Seminario de San Jose, continues to
serve as the womb of those aspiring for the priestly life for the people of Palawan until at
present. It had delivered into the homes, not only, of both the Vicariates of Puerto Princesa
and Taytay, but to our country and other parts of the world, dynamic and dedicated pastors
formed from the heart of Jesus, pastors who ardently shape the past, present, and the future
of the vibrant local church of Palawan. For this, we give praises and honor to our Lord, the
Master of the Harvest. But we need to pray more so that He could send more laborers to His
fast growing vineyard here in Palawan.

This year’s theme: Recalling the Past: A Call to Brotherhood and Service, is quite apt to
remember what Franklin D. Roosevelt said that a “nation must believe three things. It must
believe in the past. It must believe in the future. It must above all, believe in the capacity of its
own people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgment in creating their own
future”. In a similar way, we can say that the Seminario de San Jose is very much grateful for its
past, beamingly looks ahead for its future, and believes in the people’s capacity at present for
them to faithfully respond to the call of brotherhood and service for the future of Palawan
church.

With one heart, one soul, and one dream for God’s Kingdom here in Palawan, we join
together to make our bold step ahead. With the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee of this hallowed
institution, we raise our humble pleas to our Divine Maker, that, through His inspiration, we
may be able to put into concrete, feasible, and attainable endeavors what He desires for His
people and His Church.

On behalf of Msgr. Jose Delfin and the rest of the seminary priest formators, I thank you
for your valuable presence and good morning everyone!

Rev. Fr. Anthony P. Irineo, OAR