Sancta Maria Mater et Regina Seminarium

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

SANCTI: Memorial of St. Joseph Calasanz
By: Frm. R-J D. Flandes

St. Joseph Calasanz was a Spanish priest and educator who lived from 1557 to 1648. He dedicated his life to educating poor children, especially those who had little access to schooling. Moved by their difficult situation, he founded the Pious Schools and the Order of the Piarists, making education an important means of serving God and transforming society. His life was marked by humility, patience, charity, and a deep trust in God's providence.

St. Joseph Calasanz teaches us that education is not simply the transmission of knowledge but a way of forming the whole person and leading others toward God. He believed that every child, regardless of social status or wealth, deserved the opportunity to learn and grow. His love for the poor reminds us that no person should be forgotten or neglected. Ang iya kabuhi nagapahanumdom sa aton nga ang pagbulig sa iban, bisan pa sa simple nga paagi, mahimo mangin instrumento sang gugma kag kalooy sang Diyos.

In today's world, where education and opportunities are not always equally accessible, St. Joseph Calasanz challenges us to become more attentive to those who are left behind. His example reminds us that our talents and knowledge are gifts that should be shared. True service means helping others discover their dignity, potential, and purpose in God.

As a religious seminarian, I am inspired by St. Joseph Calasanz because his vocation was deeply rooted in service to others. His life challenges me to see formation not only as preparation for my future ministry but also as an opportunity to become more patient, compassionate, and generous. Sa akon pagpadayon sa formation, ginapahanumdom ako nga ang kahibalo nga akon ginabaton dapat indi lamang para sa akon kaugalingon, kundi isa ka instrumento sa pagserbisyo kag pagbulig sa iban. Through his intercession, I resolve to use what I learn for the good of others, to serve with humility, and to remain faithful to God's call wherever He may lead me.

~ Kabay sa kabuhi sang mga Santos, kita mangin balaan nga Kristianos.

25/08/2026

BUSOG Reflection on Matthew 23:23–26
Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

By: Sem. John Wency Navarra
Discipleship Stage III – Martyrs

In this Gospel, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for caring more about looking holy than about being truly holy. They carefully followed particular rules, but forgot the most fundamental things: treating people fairly, being kind and forgiving, and being faithful to God and His word.

Jesus uses the image of a cup to make His point. The Pharisees clean the outside of the cup to make it look pleasing and inviting, but inside, it is full of greed and selfishness. Jesus teaches us that we should first clean the inside so that the outside may also be clean.

I see myself in this Gospel. It is easy to look good on the outside rather than to be truly good within. I may follow the rules, but if my heart is filled with pride and jealousy, my actions may still show malice.

Jesus wants us to start from the heart. We begin by listening to what God is trying to tell us: to practice justice, show mercy, and cultivate faithfulness.

So, I pray to the Lord: “Lord, show me where I am like the Pharisees. Help me to be faithful to my chosen vocation, to be merciful, and to reflect justice through my words, choices, and actions.”

Kabay nga sa Pulong sang Dios, kita nabusog.

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

SANCTI: Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle
By: Frm. Andrew Allen F. Faduga

St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He was introduced to Jesus by Philip, who told him that they had found the Messiah. At first, Nathanael questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth, but after encountering Jesus, he immediately recognized Him as the Son of God and King of Israel. He faithfully followed Christ and, after the Resurrection, proclaimed the Gospel to others. According to Christian tradition, he eventually gave his life as a martyr for the faith.

St. Bartholomew teaches us the value of sincerity, openness, and courage in following Christ. His initial questioning did not prevent him from encountering Jesus; instead, his honest heart became open to the truth. When he recognized Christ, he responded with faith and commitment. His life reminds us that God can transform our questions and doubts into deeper faith. Ang aton pagpangita sang kamatuoran dapat magdul-ong sa aton sa mas malalom nga pagkilala kag paghigugma kay Kristo.

In today's world, where people are often influenced by different opinions and conflicting ideas, St. Bartholomew reminds us to seek the truth with an honest heart. Faith does not mean refusing to ask questions, but being humble enough to allow Christ to answer and transform us. His witness also challenges us to proclaim what we have encountered and to remain faithful even when following Christ requires sacrifice.

As a religious seminarian, I am inspired by St. Bartholomew's sincere encounter with Christ. His journey reminds me that formation is not simply about acquiring knowledge but about allowing myself to encounter Jesus more deeply. There may be moments of uncertainty, questions, and struggles, but these can become opportunities to strengthen my faith. Sa akon pagpadayon sa formation, ginapahanumdom ako ni St. Bartholomew nga ang pagkilala kay Kristo dapat magbag-o sang akon kabuhi kag magtulod sa akon nga magserbisyo sa Iya kag sa Iya katawhan. Through his intercession, I resolve to seek Christ with an honest heart, remain faithful to His call, and courageously share the Gospel through my life and service.

~ Kabay sa kabuhi sang mga Santos, kita mangin balaan nga Kristianos.

24/08/2026

SALVE! | SOLEMN INVESTITURE RITES

Join us for the Solemn Investiture Rites of our first-year seminarians in the Discipleship Stage, the CYBERAPOSTLES, during the Vespers Mass of the 27th Seminary Fiesta at Sancta Maria Mater et Regina Seminarium, Cagay, Roxas City.

The Eucharistic Celebration with the Rite of Investiture will be presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Victor B. Bendico, D.D., Archbishop of Capiz, with Very Rev. Fr. Edsel V. Delfin, SLL., as the Homilist.

Let us accompany our CYBERAPOSTLES with our prayers as they take this meaningful step in their journey of formation and vocation.

23/08/2026

NOVENA MASSES FOR OUR 27TH SEMINARY FIESTA!
August 30, 2026 – September 7, 2026

Join us as we prayerfully prepare for the 27th Seminary Fiesta in honor of our beloved Patroness, Holy Mary, Mother and Queen.

Let us come together in faith and thanksgiving as we celebrate these days of grace, fellowship, and devotion. Novena Masses will be held from Sunday, August 30, to Monday, September 7, 2026.

See the details below, and we hope to see you as we journey together toward our Fiesta celebration!

Viva Maria, Mother and Queen!