Immaculate Conception Major Seminary

Vademecum

Pope Leo XIV
Message
63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘, FR. HOWARD!

The ICMAS Community joyfully greets Fr. Howard John P. Tarrayo, Intensive Formation towards Configuration (IFC) Director, as he celebrates his birthday today. With gratitude to God for the gift of his life and vocation, we pray that the Lord may continue to bless and sustain him in his ministry of forming future shepherds of the Church.

2 Oktubre 2026 | Paggunita sa mga Banal na Anghel na Tagapangalaga

Mga Banal na Anghel na Tagapangalaga, gabayan at ingatan niyo kami.

MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS

“True progress always stems from a heart open to others.”

On 28 September 2026, the community of the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary gathered for a philosophical symposium given by Rev. Fr. Paul Aldrin Dungca on the Age of Artificial Intelligence, in the light of Pope Leo IV’s Magnifica Humanitas.

The symposium invited the seminarians to discern the meaning and implications of AI amid this rapidly changing age. Fr. Dungca encouraged reflection on the human person, dignity, freedom, responsibility, and vocation in an increasingly technological world. In his closing remarks, Fr. Adriand Layug, Dean of Studies of ICMAS’ School of Philosophy, emphasized that human beings cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence, particularly because the human person possesses the capacity for discernment and moral responsibility.

The gathering thus reminded the seminarians to approach AI with wisdom and critical discernment, while remaining deeply attentive to what it means to be truly human.

YOBEL

“Halina at inyong tanggapin Tinapay na sa inyo ay hain … Sarili sa inyo'y ibibigay, kapalit ma'y Aking buhay.” (Fr. John Paul Morales, Pagtalima)

Giving Holy Communion in the mass is a profound experience for us seminarians during apostolate. It is a concrete manifestation of bringing Christ to the faithful. It may appear as a simple liturgical endeavor but behind it lies a deeper reality. It is an opportunity to encounter Christ, to serve His people, and to be reminded of the dignity and responsibility of the priestly vocation.

When we give Holy Communion during apostolate, we are always reminded that we are distributing “the Body of Christ” – one who gives Himself completely for the salvation of all and forgiveness of our sins – as spiritual nourishment for His people. Not just something sacred but Christ Himself.

In our perspective, every person who comes forward to receive Communion is someone who longs for God. Some may come with joy and gratitude; others may be carrying pain, worries, struggles, or silent prayers. And so, we are entrusted with that beautiful privilege of serving their encounter with Christ and being a bridge for them towards God. That is why we are called to do it with great reverence, humility, and prayer.

Therefore, our apostolate reminds us that we are not only in our PFE areas to offer something to the people. But mostly, we are there to be recipients as well. There are people who will teach us something about faith. Seeing elderly people, families, children, the sick, and ordinary parishioners approach the Eucharist deepens our appreciation for the hunger of God’s people for Christ. Their faith becomes source of encouragement in our vocation. So, there exists a mutual reciprocity of love and service.

An excerpt from a reflection on Pastoral Field Education in Parokya ng Santisimia Trinidad, Santisima Trinidad, Malolos, Bulacan by Sem. John A. Policarpio.