Garcia, Nil Justeen A.

Grade XI
Introduction to Philosophy

The seminary has always trained us to be excellent in any field. It offered a pluralist

formation, I should say. This formation we have is like the reality which itself is composed of

material bodies which corresponds to our structures, actions, the power who implemented this

formation and of course the culture. The formation given to us, although demanding, enabled us

to obtain competencies which are not only used for schooling but for life itself. It enables us to

balance our intelligences and make sure to fairly enhance them which, in fact, is what to be done.

This formation is very beneficial for us young lads whether we continue or not to the call of

priesthood, I can say.

If I were to choose a philosophy which I can connect my formation to, I would go with

the philosophy of Empedocles, the first philosopher of the Pluralists, where he assumed about the

four roots (air, water, fire and earth). That is the fact that coincidentally, we also have the four

pillars of our formation. We follow the spiritual, human, intellectual, pastoral (S.H.I.P).

These four coexist with each other in a well-balanced formation where literally if one dominates

the other the SHIP will sink. They are all equal in terms of their importance. If the four roots

compose everything, the four pillars, however, composes one great formation. So far, this

formation is still our basis and since time in memoriam, it didn’t let us down. We just had to

keep the order and the order will keep us.

If I were to posit two forces the same as Empedocles, I would base from the Latin phrase,

“Ora et Labora” which means Faith and work. Our school is a seminary, I should bear that in

mind. I am formed to become Christian gentlemen and if called His priest in the future. Our basis

should always correspond with our faith. But one thing to remember is that, Faith alone isn’t
enough. We must learn to show not just to tell. The two forces are integrated and are supposed to

be seen in our four pillars.

The seminary formation have influenced and helped me a lot in many unimaginable

ways; I am proud to say that. Our pluralist formation is very efficient for the very fact that the

seminary have always strived for excellence – excellent in any of the fields of the multi-

intellectual abilities. I have balanced these abilities thanks to the guidance of the priests. I have

learned to weigh things to which is to be prioritized or not. I cannot really say if I’ll become a

priest but one thing I’m sure is that I will be a faithful and devout Christian thanks to that

formation. Being a senior comes with this some kind of power entrusted to lead the community.

The formation I had undergone for long five years is already paying off while I am being a

leader. Yes, other schools have greater minds but I am here saying, “Yeah, but those are known

facts. You settle only with senses but we settle with reasoning.” I am trained not only to be smart

but to be wise. My decision making is honed here. If I were a grade 6 student again, I would still

choose the seminary. The seminary formation is not perfect but it is more than enough to equip

me face the world. Even after years, I will always remember the four pillars which became not

only as the foundation of the formation itself but also my foundation of how and why I became

like this. God’s voice; my choice.