A Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony between the Xavier-Ateneo through the School of Education and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary (SJVTS) took place last September 29, 2022 via Zoom.

The engagement was attended virtually by Rev Fr Bobby V. Cena, DMin, the Rector and Rev Fr Reynaldo D. Raluto, SThD, the Academic Dean, the representatives of the SJVTS; and Rev Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, XU President, accompanied by the School of Education (SOE) faculty members led by SOE Dean Dr Edralin C. Manla.

The collaborative partnership between SJVTS and Xavier-Ateneo through SOE in honing and supplementing the formation of the seminarians was first formally conceptualized by Dr Jovelyn G. Delosa, former SOE Dean, and Fr Reynaldo D. Raluto, SThD highlighting the similarities of both the teaching profession and priesthood.

Fr Mars P Tan SJ, in his message of solidary of support, said “the partnership and collaboration between universities and seminaries are not new to Xavier-Ateneo and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary…” He added that the partnership is special because “it is based on two important reasons – origin and history, and the ministry of forming the youth.”

The convergence of both Xavier-Ateneo and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary is based on the notion that teaching and priesthood are both ministries inculcating learning, dealing with people, and embodying Christ’s love in the mission. The faculty members of the School of Education are poised to facilitate a course that hone the seminarians’ understanding on the principles of teaching, preparing and facilitating learning experiences, and making assessments and evaluations.

Rev. Fr. Bobby Cena, DMIn affirmed that the signing of the MOA for the said engagement fulfills the promise of the Jesuits to journey with the Diocesan priests and seminary; and strengthens the partnership in terms of academic and spiritual formation. This, as the Society of Jesus exists not only for itself but also in service of the church and its ministries. Looking back, the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary started with a group of Jesuits way back in the 1980’s upon the instruction of the Bishops of Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region in educating and forming the youth in the service of the church and the community.

Dr Manla explained that the common ground for the two ministries “is becoming a living testimony of delivering Christ’s love through teaching and reaching out especially those who are in the peripheries and outskirts of the community in which our seminarians will soon to be assigned.” She added that “the collaboration and partnership may not only be limiting on a very functional basis, but also build friendship and community in faith, love, and understanding.”