On June 25, 2026, twenty-six aspirants gathered at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu for a send-off Mass in preparation for their entrance into the seminary.
Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines, reflected on the Gospel and shared two teachings to guide the young men as they prepare to begin seminary formation.
Reflecting on the words of Jesus, Fr. Batayola emphasized that entering seminary is not simply about beginning a new chapter of studies but responding to God’s call through faithful obedience to His will. He reminded the aspirants that calling Jesus “Lord” is not enough; rather, one must allow Christ to truly become the Lord of one’s life by listening to and following His teachings.
“Christian life is not measured by how much attention we receive, but by how faithfully we follow God’s plan,” he said.
Fr. Batayola further explained that seminary formation is neither merely an academic pursuit nor a career path, but a vocation rooted in God’s invitation. He encouraged the aspirants to entrust themselves to the Lord, reminding them that God does not first ask whether a person is talented, intelligent, or skilled, but whether he is willing to do His will.
Drawing from the Augustinian tradition, Fr. Batayola reflected on the words of St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” He expressed his hope that the young men would find that rest through prayer, discernment, and formation as they begin life in the seminary.
He also thanked the parents for generously supporting their sons’ vocational journey and allowing them to enter formation. He acknowledged their trust and sacrifice as an important contribution to the life of the Church.
In his second reflection, Fr. Batayola spoke on the importance of listening and acting upon God’s word. Referring to the Gospel account of the two builders, he noted that while both encountered storms, only the one who listened and acted upon what he heard built his house on a firm foundation.
Addressing the aspirants, he emphasized that seminary life is a school of listening to God in prayer, to the community, to the truth encountered in study, and to the needs of the Church. He encouraged them to build their vocation firmly upon Christ through attentive listening and faithful action.
Fr. Batayola likewise addressed the faithful and devotees of the Santo Niño, encouraging them to imitate Christ’s humility and obedience to the Father. He reminded them that following the Lord means not only hearing the Gospel but also living it each day.
“May our life be like Him, always doing the will of the Father,” he said.
Concluding his homily, Fr. Batayola encouraged the aspirants to continue seeking God’s will and to remain firmly rooted in Christ throughout their formation journey.
Following the Holy Mass, the young aspirants, together with their families and the Augustinian community, gathered at the Aula Magna Hall for the tradition of “Pasidungog,” a program of recognition and thanksgiving held as part of their sending-off celebration.
The program opened with a welcome message from Rev. Fr. John Jericho Mier, OSA, who thanked God for the gift of twenty-six aspirants, composed of twenty-two college formation candidates and four professionals entering the late vocation program.
Fr. Mier encouraged them to remain faithful to the dream God had planted in their hearts and to trust in His guidance as they begin their journey in searching the truth.
Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA, also delivered an inspirational message, reflecting on the meaning of “Pasidungog” as a celebration of honor, recognition, and gratitude.
He reminded the aspirants that vocation begins with God’s call and encouraged them to remain steadfast in pursuing the Augustinian way of life rooted in truth, unity, and love.
As they prepare to enter formation, he expressed his hope that they would deepen their understanding of the Augustinian charism and continue seeking the rest that can only be found in God.
