St. Pius X Seminary
Encyclopedia
The Seminary of St. Pius X (Latin: Seminarium Sancti Pii Decimi), or St. Pius X Seminary, is a Filipino Roman Catholic secondary school and seminary
in the Lawaan hills, Roxas City
, Capiz
in the Philippines
run by the Catholic priests of the Archdiocese of Capiz
. The seminary and its surrounding areas comprise some three hectares of rocky hills. The late Cardinal Sin was the first rector of the school. In 1999, the college (Philosophy
and Theology
) of St. Pius X Seminary transferred to Cagay, Roxas City
, Capiz
and named the school Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium
(SMMRS) to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. SPXS decided to retain and maintain its High School and Pre-College.
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The erection of the Diocese of Capiz
on May 28, 1951 brought a need to train priests. But the meager financial resources of the young diocese made the proposed project a difficult one, considering that the Bishop had no permanent residence as of yet. However, the late Bishop Antonio Frondosa, remained undaunted. Donors contributed to the Bishop's residence, and for the 3.3 hectare lot for the seminary site. The first cornerstone of the Capiz Diocesan Seminary was laid on 13 August 1953, and the Bishop's residence was inaugurated on the same day. On 3 September 1953, feast of St. Pius X, the first half of the seminary was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Teofilo Camomot and Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco. Bishop Frondosa issued circular No. 3/57 on 31 May 1957 announcing the opening of the new diocesan seminary and appointing Fr. Jaime Sin as its first rector.
Seven priests staffed the school in its first years with five lay teachers, and 33 seminarians. On completion, the seminary was blessed on June 13, 1959. Its curriculum, Classical Secondary Courses, was recognized by the Department of Education
on 21 April 1961.
In 1999, the college (Philosophy
and Theology
) of St. Pius X Seminary transferred to Cagay, Roxas City
, Capiz
and named the school Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium (SMMRS) to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. SPXS decided to retain and maintain its High School and Pre-College.
St. Pius X is the patron saint of the school, but every section is obliged to have a corresponding patron saint. Batches who enter their first year with 36 or more seminarians are divided into two sections, hence, two patron saints per section. Fourth year seminarians are required to name their batch with a unique, notable name which they will carry on until college (SMMRS) or for the rest of their lives.
and the SEC, but was also created under the laws of the Church and regulated by the Vatican, and administered by the bishop through his priests. Further, its purpose is not only to educate but also to train boys and young men for the presbytery and the future leaders of the Church.
Since the opening of the seminary almost 50 years ago, there are usually ordinations every year. Three Pians have become bishops. Though the association is composed of Pians (ex-seminarians), it is not a religious or ecclesiastical organization or corporation like the Children of Mary, Knights of Columbus
and Couples for Christ
.
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
in the Lawaan hills, Roxas City
Roxas City
Roxas City is a medium-sized city in the province of Capiz, Philippines. It is the provincial capital and a component city. , the city mayor is former city vice mayor Angel Alan Celino who was elected during the 2010 election....
, Capiz
Capiz
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north...
in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
run by the Catholic priests of the Archdiocese of Capiz
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Capiz
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Capiz is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. Capiz is the Archdiocese in the Province of Capiz, on the island of Visayas...
. The seminary and its surrounding areas comprise some three hectares of rocky hills. The late Cardinal Sin was the first rector of the school. In 1999, the college (Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and Theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
) of St. Pius X Seminary transferred to Cagay, Roxas City
Roxas City
Roxas City is a medium-sized city in the province of Capiz, Philippines. It is the provincial capital and a component city. , the city mayor is former city vice mayor Angel Alan Celino who was elected during the 2010 election....
, Capiz
Capiz
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north...
and named the school Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium
Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium
See St. Pius X SeminarySancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium is a major seminary of the Archdiocese of Capiz and one of the prominent schools in Capiz. It is also known as home to the Archdiocese’s Philosophy and Theology seminarians. It has produced eighteen priests and three deacons in its...
(SMMRS) to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. SPXS decided to retain and maintain its High School and Pre-College.
History
Capiz
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north...
on May 28, 1951 brought a need to train priests. But the meager financial resources of the young diocese made the proposed project a difficult one, considering that the Bishop had no permanent residence as of yet. However, the late Bishop Antonio Frondosa, remained undaunted. Donors contributed to the Bishop's residence, and for the 3.3 hectare lot for the seminary site. The first cornerstone of the Capiz Diocesan Seminary was laid on 13 August 1953, and the Bishop's residence was inaugurated on the same day. On 3 September 1953, feast of St. Pius X, the first half of the seminary was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Teofilo Camomot and Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco. Bishop Frondosa issued circular No. 3/57 on 31 May 1957 announcing the opening of the new diocesan seminary and appointing Fr. Jaime Sin as its first rector.
Seven priests staffed the school in its first years with five lay teachers, and 33 seminarians. On completion, the seminary was blessed on June 13, 1959. Its curriculum, Classical Secondary Courses, was recognized by the Department of Education
Department of Education (Philippines)
The Department of Education , is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the management and governing of the Philippine system of basic education. It is the chief formulator of Philippine educational policy and is responsible for the Philippine primary and secondary...
on 21 April 1961.
In 1999, the college (Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and Theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
) of St. Pius X Seminary transferred to Cagay, Roxas City
Roxas City
Roxas City is a medium-sized city in the province of Capiz, Philippines. It is the provincial capital and a component city. , the city mayor is former city vice mayor Angel Alan Celino who was elected during the 2010 election....
, Capiz
Capiz
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north...
and named the school Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium (SMMRS) to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. SPXS decided to retain and maintain its High School and Pre-College.
Naming of Batches
Pian Alumni Association
The St. Pius X Seminary Alumni Association, Inc., or simply known as PIANS, is a non-profit and non-stock corporation whose membership is composed of all persons who have studied for at least one year in St. Pius X Seminary. It's not an ordinary alumni association because the seminary is not an ordinary educational institution created and incorporated solely under a national law, and regulated by the appropriate government agencies, such as the Department of EducationUnited States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
and the SEC, but was also created under the laws of the Church and regulated by the Vatican, and administered by the bishop through his priests. Further, its purpose is not only to educate but also to train boys and young men for the presbytery and the future leaders of the Church.
Since the opening of the seminary almost 50 years ago, there are usually ordinations every year. Three Pians have become bishops. Though the association is composed of Pians (ex-seminarians), it is not a religious or ecclesiastical organization or corporation like the Children of Mary, Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus....
and Couples for Christ
Couples for Christ
The Couples for Christ is an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement whose goal is to renew and strengthen Christian family life and values. It is one of 122 International Associations of the Faithful The organization was affiliated with the Vatican recognition from the Pontifical Council...
.
Priest Formators
- Rev. Fr Freddie Billanes, Ph.L, STH.L.-MA, S.S.L. - Rector
- Rev. Fr. Rey Alfonso Telic - Vice-Rector, Prefect of Discipline (Higher Years)
- Rev. Fr. Rakem Sombilon - Procurator
- Rev. Fr. Patrick Advincula - Prefect of Discipline (Lower Years)
- Rev. Fr. Andrew Alcorano - Spiritual Director (Higher Years)
- Rev. Fr. Anthony Aguason - Spiritual Director (Lower Years)
- Rev. Fr. John Carl Robles - Sports Director, Spiritual Director (Pre-College)
- Rev. Fr. Lenjenie Arcan - Principal, Registrar
- Rev. Msgr. Daniel Viloria - Rector Emeritus
- Rev. Fr. Clemente Fungot - Resident Confessor
Lay Teachers
- Ms. Ginalyn Alcazaren - Procura Staff, Economics Teacher
- Ms. Jonabelle de la Cruz - TLE I, Journalism Teacher
- Mr. Joemarie Alvarez - Computer Teacher
- Ms. Candelaria Arboleda - Academic Staff
- Mrs. Mina Beluso - TLE III, Science Teacher
- Mr. Carlson Caguitquit - Social Studies Teacher
- Mr. Daniel Delatina - Mathematics Teacher
- Ms. Shiella Oadan - TLE IV, Science Teacher
- Mr. Joel Quiambao - Filipino Teacher
- Ms. Fatima Recodo - Seminary Librarian
- Mrs. Mary Mae Santos - Mathematics Teacher, PTBA President
Politics
- Jocelyn BolanteJocelyn BolanteJocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante is a Filipino politician who formerly served as an Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines. He was implicated by the Philippine Senate to the ongoing investigation related to corruption concerning fertilizer funding while serving as a government...
— Politician who formerly served as an UndersecretaryUndersecretaryAn under secretary is an executive government official in many countries, frequently a career public servant, who typically acts as a senior administrator or second-in-command to a politically-appointed Cabinet Minister or other government official...
of the Department of Agriculture of the PhilippinesDepartment of Agriculture (Philippines)The Philippines' Department of Agriculture , abbreviated as DA, is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for boosting the income of farmers as well as reducing the incidence of poverty in the rural sector, as stipulated inthe Government's Medium Term Philippine...
. - Vicente Bermejo — Former mayor of Roxas CityRoxas CityRoxas City is a medium-sized city in the province of Capiz, Philippines. It is the provincial capital and a component city. , the city mayor is former city vice mayor Angel Alan Celino who was elected during the 2010 election....
provincial governor of Capiz. - Alan Celino — Mayor of Roxas City.
- Felipe Neri Yap — Mayor of Ivisan, CapizIvisan, CapizIvisan is a 4th class municipality in the province of Capiz, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 24,256 people in 4,683 households.-Barangays:Ivisan is politically subdivided into 15 barangays.* Agmalobo...
.
Church
- Most Rev. Warlito Cajandig, D.D.Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary AcademyOur Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Academy, also known as OLMHRA, is an educational institution that offers a secondary course among the youth of Victorian Oriental Mindoro Philippines. It was founded by Msgr. Warlito Cajandig DD on June 5, 2001, under the name of Good Shepherd Academy . It started...
— Bishop of Calapan, Mindoro. He is the founder of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary AcademyOur Lady of the Most Holy Rosary AcademyOur Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Academy, also known as OLMHRA, is an educational institution that offers a secondary course among the youth of Victorian Oriental Mindoro Philippines. It was founded by Msgr. Warlito Cajandig DD on June 5, 2001, under the name of Good Shepherd Academy . It started... - Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, D.D.Roman Catholic Diocese of San CarlosThe Roman Catholic Diocese of San Carlos is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The diocese was split off from the Diocese of Bacolod together with the Diocese of Kabankalan in 1987 and is a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo City...
— Bishop of San CarlosRoman Catholic Diocese of San CarlosThe Roman Catholic Diocese of San Carlos is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The diocese was split off from the Diocese of Bacolod together with the Diocese of Kabankalan in 1987 and is a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo City...
. - Most Rev. Jose Corazon Tala-oc, D.D.Roman Catholic Diocese of KaliboThe Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalibo is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines....
— Bishop of KaliboRoman Catholic Diocese of KaliboThe Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalibo is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines....
Others
- Atty. Florentino D. Mabasa, Jr.- Outstanding Aklanon Awardee (2008)
Notable priest formators
- Jaime Cardinal Sin†, was a Roman CatholicRoman Catholicism in the PhilippinesThe Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, in full communion with the Pope.With 73.8 million members in 2005, it is the predominant religion, making the Philippines the third largest "Catholic" nation in the world after Brazil and Mexico, as well as one...
Archbishop of ManilaRoman Catholic Archdiocese of ManilaThe Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila or Archdiocese of Manila is a particular Church or Diocese of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. It is also considered as the primatial see of the country, currently headed by the Archbishop of Manila and it enjoys primacy over the other dioceses in...
known for his instrumental role in the People Power Revolution, which toppled the regime of Ferdinand MarcosFerdinand MarcosFerdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
and installed Corazon AquinoCorazon AquinoMaria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office in Philippine history. She is best remembered for leading the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines...
as presidentPresident of the PhilippinesThe President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
of the PhilippinesPhilippinesThe Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. He was the first rector of St. Pius X Seminary. - Most Rev. Antonio F. Frondosa, D.D.†, former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Capiz and founder of St. Pius X Seminary.
- Most Rev. Onesimo Gordoncillo, D.D.Roman Catholic Archdiocese of CapizThe Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Capiz is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. Capiz is the Archdiocese in the Province of Capiz, on the island of Visayas...
, Archbishop, Capiz Archdiocese - Most Rev. Raul Quimpo Martirez, D.D., JCL, STB, BSE, Bishop-Emeritus of San Jose de AntiqueRoman Catholic Diocese of San Jose de AntiqueThe Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose de Antique is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines....
and Outstanding Aklanon Awardee (2008)
Trivia
- Seminarians from St. Pius X Seminary and Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, SeminariumSancta Maria, Mater et Regina, SeminariumSee St. Pius X SeminarySancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium is a major seminary of the Archdiocese of Capiz and one of the prominent schools in Capiz. It is also known as home to the Archdiocese’s Philosophy and Theology seminarians. It has produced eighteen priests and three deacons in its...
are called Pians. - Cardinal Sin was the first rector of the seminary.
- St. Pius X Seminary celebrated its golden jubilee on Aug. 19-21, 2007.
- Only St. Pius X Seminary and Sancta Maria, Mater et Regina, Seminarium have LatinLatinLatin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
and SpanishSpanish languageSpanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
subjects in Capiz. - St. Pius X Seminary is the first Philippine seminary to be governed by diocesan priests and have them as formators.
- Most Rev. Egidio Vagnozzi once said that St. Pius X Seminary is the best located seminary in the Philippines.