Bishop Shane Visits Seminaries and Charitable Institutions of the Rogationists in the Philippines
-
January 10, 2024Bishop Shane Mackinlay of the Diocese of Sandhurst, along with Fr. Dean Bongat and Fr. Rene Ramirez, a Rogationist priest, recently visited several seminaries and charitable institutions of the Rogationist Fathers in the country.
Bishop Shane and his companions paid a visit to the Fr. Hannibal Formation Center located in Merville Park, Parañaque City. This center is where candidates for the priesthood commence their formative journey by studying Philosophy. Upon arrival, the seminarians, together with their Rector, Fr. Joel Ricafranca, welcomed Bishop Shane with a song. After that, they took him on a brief tour of the seminary before sitting down to have lunch with him.
After lunch, Bishop Shane visited the provincial house of the Rogationists in the same village, where they took a short drive and passed by Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Multinational Village, Paranaque City. There, he met Fr. Herman Abcede, the former provincial of the Rogationists in Asia and the Pacific. Bishop Shane was shown the small multi-grade school run by the parish as its charitable activity along with Sunday school for kids.
The group then proceeded to Fr. Di Francia Center of Studies in Green Court, Paranaque City, where the professed members of the Congregation study theology as they prepare themselves to become priests. Bishop Shane met Fr. Ronaldo Paulino, the Rector of the Center of Studies, and was given a short tour of the adjoining Rogationist Academy, a primary school owned and run by the Congregation.
The visit continued to Tagaytay City, where the group was accommodated for the night. The following day, Bishop Shane visited the Rogationist College in Silang, Cavite, nested within the compounds of St. Anthony's Boys Village where the Rogationists assist indigent boys. These boys are accepted as intern students and are given board and lodging and the possibility to finish High School as they prepare themselves to be responsible citizens of society.
The visit concluded with a walk towards the Oasis of Prayer, the retreat center run by the Rogationists, and ended at Caffe’ San’t Antonio and the Rogate Images Factory.
The visit not only highlighted the importance of supporting the formation and education of future priests but also emphasized the care for the less fortunate members of society. The Rogationists, who run these institutions, are committed to these causes and continue to make a positive impact on society.
