Communio is back!

Mira Nila Homes, QUEZON CITY – Recoletos School of Theology (RST) and Immaculate Conception Major Seminary – Graduate School of Theology (ICMAS- GST) once again met for Communio 2024 last Saturday, February 17, 2024, after a seven-year hiatus with the theme, “Vocatio ad Unitatem, Vocatio ad Sanctitatem,” at Immaculate Conception Major Seminary, Guiguinto, Bulacan.

At six thirty in the morning, the RST students arrived at ICMAS – GST in Bulacan, and they were welcomed by the host for this year’s Communio. After they settled for registration, they proceeded to the Configuration Stage Chapel for the Eucharistic Celebration in order to mark the opening of Communio 2024. The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel I. Cruz, SThD, Rector of Immaculate Conception Major Seminary – Graduate School of Theology, together with the formators of RST and ICMAS – GST.

One of the highlights of the event was the Panel Discussion with the topic, “The Battle Against Satan from the Perspective of the Ordained and of the Laity.” The speakers are the prominent Exorcist, Rev. Fr. Winston Ferdinand Cabading, OP, PhD; Ms. Rowena de los Reyes, Case Officer in the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism; and Ms. Katherine Cosca, MD, lay volunteer of LIBERANOX in the Diocese of Novaliches Office of Exorcism. During the Panel Discussion, they gave emphasis to areas of man’s disposition where the devil could enter by way of obsession, possession, or oppression. As experts in the ministry of exorcism, they put forth the importance of prayer and dedication to the life that one has chosen.

In the afternoon, the Communio participants had a friendly game of basketball and volleyball. Home-court advantage was surely in place as ICMAS – GST won in both games for the first time in Communio’s long history. The evening saw the seminarians of the two schools of Theology showcase their different talents during the cultural night. The event was a grace filled as the brothers got acquainted to one another after a long day of this momentous event.

The Communio is an annual gathering of the seminarians in the configuration stage of RST and ICMAS-GST. This idea of gathering traces its beginning through the friendship of the two former Dean of Studies Fr. Jorge Peligro, OAR and Fr. Emmanuel Cruz. They created an idea to extend their friendship among the seminarians of both schools of Theology. Since then, they have gathered annually to celebrate friendship and communion. After the interruption of Covid 19 Pandemic, Communio is finally back!