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History of St. Peter's Seminary

The document details the history and establishment of St. Peter's Seminary from its founding in 1962 to the present. It was originally intended as a high school and college seminary but later became exclusively a college seminary. It has undergone expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate more seminarians. In 2013 it celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views2 pages

History of St. Peter's Seminary

The document details the history and establishment of St. Peter's Seminary from its founding in 1962 to the present. It was originally intended as a high school and college seminary but later became exclusively a college seminary. It has undergone expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate more seminarians. In 2013 it celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

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© All Rights Reserved
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St.

Peter’s Seminary

[Link] St. Peter’s Seminary was founded as a high school seminary on August 6, 1962,
the same date when Fr. Peter Galvin, MHM, was appointed as the first rector.
[Link] the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, 1963, the cornerstone of SPS was laid on
the bungalow type school building on the five-hectare site donated by the heirs of Sixto and Irene
Moscoso Quilino. [Link] during these times, there were still no buildings for the 20
seminarians to reside, the pioneering 20 seminarians and two priest-faculty members were
housed temporarily in the ground floor of San Jose Convent until they transferred to the new
building in San Pedro, San Jose, Antique in October 1963. The building was blessed by His
Eminence, the late Rufino Cardinal Santos.
Soon after, additional buildings were constructed to cater the needs of the increasing
number of seminarians. [Link] two-story Administration Building was inaugurated on December
9, 1965, and the inspiring boat-like Chapel was consecrated and blessed on the Feast of St.
Joseph, [Link] 19, 1969 by then Msgr. Jaime Sin.
[Link] St. Peter’s Seminary was originally intended as High School and College
Seminary, but because of the small number of graduates for the High School department
proceeding to college department, the Bishop, with the Seminary Board, decided to phase out the
High School Department starting the School Year 1975-1976, and was completed in the School
Year 1978-1979, making SPS as an exclusive College Seminary.
The pairs of transitions were ably managed by the first Antiqueño diocesan rector, after
the Mill Hill Missionaries Rector starting from Fr. Peter Galvin,
Fr.______H._______...........
Soon after the reign of running the seminary was passed to another Antiqueño diocesan priest.
Fr. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, who became the bishop of the diocese of San Jose de Antique, 2003-
20007, now the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jaro, succeeded as Rector from 1982 to 1985.
7.25 years after the seminary was founded, St. Peter’s Seminary celebrated its Silver
Jubilee in 1988 through the efforts of the Rector, Fr. Eulogio S. Estaris who served the SPS
rector from 1985 to 1988. This celebration marked the fruitful years since the foundation of the
seminary, forming the young men of Antique patterned in the likeness of Christ.
[Link] challenge fell into the hands of Fr. Jose S. Bantolo, the second clergy of Antique
who became bishop, currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Masbate. He was the longest SPS
rector so far, serving for the years— in 1988 to 1966 and in 2001 to 2004. He was succeeded by
Fr. Jose Glicerio C. Geremia in 1996 to 2007, Fr. Victor S. Baguna in 2004 to 2007, Fr.
Servillano E. Carro Jr. in 2006 to 2012
[Link] year 2012-2013 was a great celebration for the diocese and of the seminary.
The Diocese of San Jose de Antique celebrated its Golden Jubilee and year after, in 2013, the
Golden Jubilee of St. Peter’s Seminary. These years marked the greatness of the Seminary’s
journey since the beginning; a clear manifestation of God’s goodness towards the Antiqueño
people, and how far Bishop’s De Witt’s motto: “That they may have Life” (Ut Vitam Habeant)
reached. The Golden Jubilee Celebration of the seminary was Successfully celebrated under the
leadership of Fr. Rogelio A. Pon-an as a rector from 2016-2017
[Link] year 2016, the seminary embraced once again the Highschool department (Senior
High School) and adopted the governments’ new educational curriculum, the K-12. The
pioneering seven seminarians entered as grade 11 in the formation year 2016-2017.
[Link] new curriculum was handled by Fr. Segundino R. Laude, who became the rector
by 2017 to 2019. In 2018, the seminary underwent a major renovation, which paved the way for
the construction of a new building with three classrooms, and a covered court. These
developments were…..to anticipate the growing needs and number of seminarians. In the
formation year 2021-20222, the seminary housed a total of six classes: Grade 11, Grade 12, first
year, second year, third year and fourth year.
[Link] Barque of St. Peter has indeed sailed beyond! Great waves have been surpassed.
Strengthened by the spirit of Jesus, SPS courageously face the future with great hope. With the
current rector Fr. Sergio C. Maniba, SPS is in good hands to sail for further adventure and
mission.
Sail further and beyond, St. Peter’s Seminary!

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St. Peter’s Seminary underwent several transformations since its establishment. Initially founded in 1962 as a high school seminary, it later transitioned to include a college seminary. By 1975, due to a declining number of graduates progressing from high school to college, the decision was made to phase out the high school department, eventually becoming an exclusive college seminary by 1979 . In 2016, in response to educational reforms, the seminary reintroduced a high school department, specifically Senior High School, integrating the government’s K-12 curriculum . This adaptation expanded the seminary's educational offerings, reflecting its commitment to evolving educational standards and growing the seminary community.

St. Peter’s Seminary has adeptly balanced tradition and modernity by integrating contemporary educational standards with longstanding religious and formational practices. Initially founded as a traditional high school and college seminary, it focused on cultivating theological and spiritual foundations in young men . Over time, it responded to educational reforms by incorporating the K-12 curriculum in 2016, signaling a shift towards embracing modern educational frameworks while maintaining its core mission of priestly formation . The renovations undertaken to build modern facilities attest to its commitment to providing up-to-date educational amenities while continuing to honor its historical and spiritual roots. The integration of modern curriculum standards alongside traditional seminary education exemplifies its strategic adaptability to meet the evolving needs of both the church and society.

The architectural developments at St. Peter’s Seminary were significant in both reflecting and supporting its mission. The consecration of the boat-like Chapel in 1969 by Msgr. Jaime Sin symbolized the seminary's spiritual foundation and purpose . The continuous construction of new buildings, such as the two-story Administration Building inaugurated in 1965, embodied the seminary’s growth and ability to accommodate more seminarians as the institution expanded . Recent renovations in 2018, including new classrooms and a covered court, demonstrated a commitment to modernizing facilities to meet growing educational needs and sustain future development . Collectively, these architectural advancements highlight both the spiritual and practical growth aspirations of the seminary.

Infrastructure developments at St. Peter’s Seminary have been pivotal in supporting educational reforms and accommodating the needs of its seminarians. The initial construction of buildings in the 1960s, such as the Administration Building and the boat-like Chapel, established a robust framework for seminary operations . As educational demands evolved, including the adoption of the K-12 curriculum in 2016, the seminary responded with further infrastructure enhancements . The addition of new classrooms and a covered court in 2018 was a direct response to these reforms, ensuring the seminary's facilities could adequately support the increased number of students and the broader curriculum. These developments reflect the seminary's proactive approach to physical expansion, furthering its mission by aligning its infrastructure with educational advancements.

Leadership changes at St. Peter's Seminary played a significant role in its strategic direction. Each leader contributed to the seminary's development and adaptation to new challenges. Notably, Fr. Peter Galvin's initial leadership saw the establishment of foundational structures and policies . Later, leaders like Fr. Jose Romeo O. Lazo and Fr. Jose S. Bantolo navigated the institution through transition periods, influencing its academic focus and infrastructure . Fr. Rogelio A. Pon-an's tenure included significant celebrations such as the seminary's Golden Jubilee, indicating a period of reflection and growth . Finally, modern leadership embraced educational reforms by integrating a K-12 curriculum , demonstrating adaptability and forward-thinking to meet contemporary educational standards.

The jubilee celebrations of St. Peter’s Seminary, particularly its Golden Jubilee in 2013, served as a testament to its historical and cultural significance within the Diocese of San Jose de Antique. These celebrations marked the seminary’s journey and achievements over five decades, highlighting its contributions to the local community and its influence in shaping religious education and leadership in the region. They underscored the continued relevance and resonance of the seminary's mission, as articulated by Bishop De Witt’s motto, “That they may have Life” . The focus on cultural festivities and historical reflection during the jubilees highlighted the seminary's foundational role in the diocesan framework and its enduring legacy in the religious and cultural life of the Antiqueño people.

During its early years, St. Peter’s Seminary faced several challenges, including housing and structural facilities for seminarians. Initially, the pioneering 20 seminarians and two priest-faculty members were temporarily housed in the San Jose Convent due to the lack of suitable buildings . This challenge was addressed by laying the cornerstone for new constructions in 1963, which included the administration building and a chapel, allowing seminarians to move to a dedicated facility in October of the same year . The leadership, particularly Fr. Peter Galvin, played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles, thereby facilitating a stable environment conducive to learning and spiritual growth, which reflected foresight and effective resource management.

Fr. Jose S. Bantolo's leadership significantly contributed to St. Peter’s Seminary's reputation and growth during his two terms as rector. His tenure, marked by stability and continuity, played a crucial role in steering the seminary through phases of institutional change and development. Serving as rector from 1988 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2004, Fr. Bantolo was instrumental in maintaining the seminary’s standards of excellence and nurturing its community . His leadership saw the preparation for significant jubilees and academic rearrangements, reinforcing the seminary’s role as a leading spiritual and educational center in the Diocese . His strategic insight and dedication as rector helped solidify the seminary's foundational strength and its future trajectory.

The boat-like Chapel at St. Peter’s Seminary, consecrated in 1969, holds significant symbolic value within the seminary’s historical narrative. Its architectural design, reminiscent of a boat, symbolizes the journey of faith and the mission of the seminary to guide young men on their spiritual journey towards priesthood . This metaphor of navigation and voyage aligns with Christian imagery of the Church as a vessel navigating through the world’s challenges, steering individuals toward spiritual enlightenment. The consecration of the chapel marked a strong statement of purpose and was a physical embodiment of the seminary's dedication to cultivating spiritual resilience and leadership among seminarians.

The integration of the K-12 curriculum in 2016 expanded the educational scope of St. Peter’s Seminary by reintroducing a senior high school department, thereby attracting a younger demographic of students . This change not only aligned the seminary's academic offerings with national educational standards but also signaled a broadening of its educational mission to include a more comprehensive preparatory education. The pioneering class of grade 11 seminarians marked a new phase of academic and spiritual formation, potentially increasing the pool of candidates for priestly formation at St. Peter’s . This curricular change underscored a commitment to adapting to national educational policies while continuing to nurture seminarians for future ecclesiastical roles.

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