January 19, 2010 (SPSF, Silang, Cavite)—As part of his itinerary during his visit to the Philippine-Macau Province, the Superior General Fr. Silvio Sassi met with the St. Paul Seminary community in Silang, Cavite on January 19, 2010. He was accompanied by Councilor General Bro. Walter Rodriguez and by the Provincila Superior Fr. Ruben Areño.
Upon arrival, the visitors were welcomed by a “Sinulog,” a dance for the Sto. Niño performed by the aspirants. On hand to welcome them were the formators led by the Seminary Rector Fr. Gil Alinsangan and the Local Superior Fr. Noel Magbanua.
After a simple repast, the community gathered at the seminary auditorium, the Tanghalang Timoteo Giaccardo. Joining them were the Pastorelle Sisters who are enrolled in the seminary and some faculty members. The encounter began with a short program of welcome: address by the Local Superior, and song, dance, and video presentation of the seminarians.
Fr. Gil then introduced Fr. Sassi and did the translation as the Superior General gave his address in Italian. Fr. Sassi thanked the community for their exuberant welcome. He felt both joy and encouragement before a community composed mainly of young people. The hope and the future of the congregation are in the hands of the young, he said. He encouraged the seminarians to prepare themselves by serious study and by courageously facing the challenge of the digital age in communication.
In the open forum following his address, Fr. Sassi answered the queries of the seminarians which revolved on the special charism of the Society of St. Paul, the future of communications apostolate, and the challenge to young people as apostles of communications media. He emphasized that our parish is the world and we can reach out to people everywhere through modern technologies in the service of communication.
The dialogue with the Superior General was followed by a Eucharistic celebration in the chapel presided by Fr. Ruben Areño. Fr. Sassi gave the homily which centered on the charism of the congregation. Joining the community were the neighbors: the Daughters of the Divine Zeal and their aspirants. Photo session with different groups followed after the Mass.
The morning activity was capped by lunch with “Fiesta sa Nayon” motif. Native dishes were served in a fiesta setting, supervised by the PDDM Sisters Irene and Rosalba and the kitchen staff. The community was truly refreshed by folk music, food, conversation, and laughter in a family atmosphere.
Before returning to Makati in the afternoon, the visitors were toured in the scenic Tagaytay City with its famous Taal Lake and Volcano.
