August 28, 2012

The Seminary Formators San Carlos Seminary College Pope John Paul II Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City

Dear Reverend Formators: Greetings of Peace and Love! I am Mychael Phillyp Catingub y Nalzaro, a third year college seminarian, eighteen years of age, from Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Basak, Mandaue City, Cebu. I humbly present myself as one of the applicants for the Solemn Rites of Investiture this coming November 11, 2012 Wearing a cassock and surplice entails great responsibilities. It would challenge those who have received the cassock and surplice to be more responsible in their actions inside and outside of the seminary. Wearing cassock is a privilege that only few seminarians are given. Given this privilege, there are some reasons that one should receive the cassock. First, it would inspire others to serve God in different ways. Second, it promotes more vocation to the priesthood. Third, it can help the seminarian to discern in their decision to become a priest or not. Fourth, during pastoral works, one can help the priest in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist to the laity and of the anointing of the sick. Last, it can help in developing the maturation of seminarians in their formation. I entered the seminary not because of the decision of others. When I first entered in the minor seminary, I was a bit shocked when I learned that it is a place where future priests are trained. I was ignorant of all the things related to the Church at that time. As years passed by, I grew to treat the seminary as my second home. Whenever I return to the seminary after vacation, it seemed that many years have passed and it makes me happy to return to my second home. I believe that being invested is a privilege that not all can receive. Thinking in mind, I am not worthy to receive this kind of cloth. Being invested is the greatest honour for those seminarians who will be deemed worthy. But if you can see the qualities that deemed me worthy to receive the cassock and surplice which I cannot see, it would be a great honour to be invested. With this, I hope that you will grant my humble request. To Jesus through Mary, Mychael Phillyp N. Catingub Third Year College Seminarian