Minores

I really do not know what has gotten into me, but I have been so morbidly thinking of my mortality these past few days. Is it sign of mid-life crisis? I do not know. I just know that I am now aware of my mortality, that anytime my being shall pass. This got me into thinking that most people work so hard to be remembered for the life they live, they are aware of their mortality that is why they work so hard to do deeds that will immortalize them. I am no exception; and to this I have intimated to a friend that should I be gone, he should get hold of this blog and print it for my family and friends to read and know the other side me, the whole of me. This shall be my memoir.

As I have written in Ulan Story No. 2, a very significant part of my life was spent in the minor seminary. Unfortunately, not so pleasant circumstances brought my leaving the seminary in 1985 that unconsciously I have completely severed ties since. It took more than a decade for me to reconnect the ties that bind a significant part of my life with the very people that I have shared those happiest four years of my life.

I was not alone in my search as I have come to know. One by one we were able to re-establish the link and this culminated in a reunion that was held in 2002, in the very grounds where the tie was made. I have written an account of that event...

Minores

Our homage to the place and time we call home.

Home we will always treasure & embrace to come back to.

Background

The Seminary was established in the late 1960's catering to the needs of educating minor seminarians in the Diocese. It closed its doors in the mid 70's after graduating its 1st generation of minores. It opened its door again to minor seminarians in 1979 producing its 2nd and last generation of minores before it permanently stopped accepting minor seminarians in 1985.

Minores group was formed, at least loosely and unofficially from the desire of these former minor seminarians specifically the second generation, to reconnect, rekindle and re-establish old ties, friendship and brotherhood that was nurtured and forged during those youthful years of their lives.

For some if not all of us, that desire has been lingering for so long it was but a matter of time before someone begins the search. Well, let me be a little bit more wistful and recount to you how it came about, at least from my vantage point.

The wonders of modern technology certainly helped. My search started in 1999 with the Internet when I registered Seminary in Alumni.net. And from there the ball started rolling, at least for me so to speak. The first time I ever got to meet again a minores was during the birthday celebration of Mats in Los Banos, year 2000. It was then that the thought of having a grand reunion was conceived. However, no subsequent follow up and planning were made. E-mail and text messages helped us stay connected, as phonebook keeps adding up more names. It took another birthday celebration, this time of Manok's in Antipolo last week of November 2002, when the idea resurfaced. Taking cue from the last time, we never left Antipolo without setting a date and place. And so it was at that spur of the moment that it came about for minores to come back home on December 28, 2002. A simple call the following day to confirm the date and venue with the current Fr. Rector of the now Major Seminary.

Initial target of 15-20 people attendance steadily grew as everyday new contacts were made i.e. through e-mails, text, phone calls and personal rounds. More than anything else, one cannot dismiss the big influence and inspiration the 'Mounty boys' (term I have used for minores overseas as majority of them are based in Canada) have given us, you just have to read the constant flow of e-mails to understand. Everyone really did his part.

There was no turning back now, with barely a month to prepare the self-appointed initial steering committee composed of Vince, Jun, Mike, Mario and myself, met for the first time with Fr. Jerry last December 7 to set goals and define tasks. Weekly meetings were held from then on aside from the almost daily exchanges of text and e-mail messages. It was about this time that Minores was born and everything that follows are posted at the yahoogroup created.

Attendance

A total of 77 people were contacted from a master list of 140. Contacts were made either through phone, e-mails and personal rounds. Of these 77 people 17 did not make it due to geographic reason (US, Canada, Mindanao etc.) A total of 42 Minores came on that day listed here alphabetically, but if we can give distinction to the one who came first, that would be Gilbert who traveled by sea and land for more than 24-hours and arrived on the eve of the fellowship. Also in attendance were our formators during those times, including all of our lay teachers which we have painstakingly located.

A short friendly game was supposed to follow the registration, but no one seem interested to play, so everyone just milled around the grounds and the endless kumustahan and banters started until or even continued during the batch meeting and well beyond dinner time.

Mass

A thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jerry with Rey and Nestor as server. Domeng served as the lector. Gilbert and Felmor lead the singing. Everyone sang his hearts out, especially Nestor who unknowingly was given a solo part. To be honest, I had goose bumps. It was a very solemn moment that I cannot seem to describe it here. Fr. Jerry commented also on this during his homily when he reminisced some more on those days. The following are also the excerpt of the prayers of the batches and their symbolic offering.

Batch 82 offered their class picture with them garbed/posing as the twelve apostles, the batch being composed of only 12 people. And as they offer their class picture Gilbert read:

" The first batch of the new Seminary signifies the importance of what Christ's 12 apostles did in the beginning of the church. Since Peter the rock first martyred, mankind's salvation was facilitated through the blood of the 12 apostles."

Batch 83 offered an image of Sto. Nino Bambino de Aracoeli. And as they offer the image Felmor read: "Sto. Nino Bambino de Aracoeli. Represents our batch as a sign of being young and united. As a sign of child-like attitude and deep concern with the son of God." A prayer was also offered for peace in the middle-east, that being the time of turmoil, and with some members of minores currently working in the middle east during that time.

Batch 84 (where I belong) offered a 'leaf' and Philip read the offering:

"Batch 84 offers as its symbol a leaf. This icon was taken from the song 'The Last Leaf' which was very much affiliated with our batch, not only because it became a favorite during batch jamming, but also because it's content was relevant to the many events in our lives together during our seminary days. Many of these events affected us so much that it seemed already hopeless but we were able to survived and live because of hope, which the last leaf symbolizes. Our batch offer this leaf as a symbol of hope for all of us.'

Fr. Evan read the batch 84's prayer that goes:

Nagpapasalamat kami sa biyaya ng panahon
Sa panahon ng pagkalagas.
Sa panahon ng pag usbong at pag sibol.
Sa panahon ng pananatiling tapat sa pagkakaibigan
Sa panahon ng pagputi at pangingitim
Sa panahon ng pagkikita, pagtatagpo, pagtatanong, pagtataka
Na syang nagpalago at nagpayabong ng aming malay at kamalayan.
Pagyamanin mo ang panahon ng pananalangin namin
lalong-lalo na sa mga taong nakipaglakabay sa amin
ang aming mga magulang, mga kamag-anak
ang aming mga taga-hubog, mga guro, kusinero, labandera,
kapitbahay na makikisig at maririkit,
mga kamagaaral, ka-seminaryo
Sa mga naririto at di nakaparito
Sa mga naroroon at nasa dako pa roon.
At sa natatanging paraan nais naming ipanalangin si Fr. Jack
na nagbukas ng mga yugto-yugto at bolta-boltaheng karanasan.
Patuloy na pagbibiyaya ang dalangin namin para sa kanya.
Lahat ng ito'y nangyari sa iyong panahon.
At muli naming iaasa sa'yo na siyang may tadhana sa di nagmamaliw na panahon.

Batch 85 offered 'walis tingting' I just can't seem to find their text.
Fr. Albert read their prayer:
'We pray for our brothers and sisters who are gathered here today to celebrate life. May this gathering bring us closer together as the year pass by. As we pray for the living, we also remember our beloved brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest, enumerating the name of Minores, teachers, priests, katiwalas and friends who have gone to their rest.

Tokens
A short program ensued, hosted by Gil. During the program, Batch 82 was honored on their 15th year anniversary. Those present, Domeng, Gilbert, Roger and Vincent, were given a token, a simple wooden picture frame with message that reads:

Minores Fellowship 2002

Our simnple token of appreciation for the time you have spent and shared with us.
We will always remember with fondness the camaraderie, Friendship and brotherhood that we have forged. Mabuhay ka Kapatid!!!

Next to be honored were the Formators and teachers present. They also received the same token of wooden picture frame with the message that reads:

Minores Fellowship 2002
Our simple token of appreciation for time you have spent with us during our early journey in life.
What we are now and what we have become is the best gift that we can give you in return.
Salamat Po !!!

During the presentation of tokens to the teachers each of them were given the chance to give a short talk. Mostly reminiscing about the old days, with some repartee on the side, especially on who were the teacher's pet and pests.

A sumptuous dinner and drinks followed in the newly constructed recreational bar and hall which used to be the first year classroom of old days. What followed is spirited reminiscing and discussions, which lasted till early Sunday morning.

We held another reunion the following year, much bigger in scope having more time to prepare. We have continued to be in touch since. I'm going to meet later some of them who have gone home for the holidays; time to reminisce again on good old days.