To form is to be formed.

“Pastoral formation is not only about the acquisition of skills but also about the formation of the heart of a true pastor” (PPPF no. 172). Fully aware of the nature of the Church as a ‘communion’, the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos endeavours to implement a type of formation not only to ensure intellectual isometrics, pastoral competence and practical skills but also and especially ‘a way of being’ in communion with the very sentiments and behaviour of Christ as the Good Shepherd through seminarians’ exposure in pastoral areas specifically in a parish. In accordance with the post-synodal apostolic exhortation, ‘Pastores Dabo Vobis # 58’, being the living cell of local and specialized pastoral work, the parish serves as the ideal context for the seminarians pastoral formation.

In San Pedro Calungsod Parish, Pulangbato, Cebu City, four seminarians are being assigned to immerse themselves in the life situations of the lay faithful. The pastoral team is led by Sem. Neil J. Cortes together with the members Sem. Jaime Oscar Aspril and Sem. Jose Zeno Vincent O. Gucor and a pre-deaconate program applicant Sem. Josie Mar E. Gudes. Sharing the three-fold mission of Christ (e.g. prophetic, kingly and priestly ministries), they are indulged into working side by side with the faithful in the mission of renewed integral evangelization. The pastoral team in the persons of Sems. Neil, J.o and Zeno, is involved in bible sharing groups specifically in Dita and Binaliw 3 whereas, Sem. Joguds is immersed in the parochial religious activities. Nonetheless, guided by the shepherding skills and enriching charisma of the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Benjie Herrera, these seminarians become competent to respond with zeal and fervour the emerging spiritual needs of the community. Indeed, the San Pedro Calungsod Parish as a Christian community where the four of us seminarians collaborate has educated us the human virtues needed to become effective ministers in the future.