Through Hardship to the Stars: Seminary Community Celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit
By: Sem. Joross John J. Blancia
The Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated on July 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Diocesan Seminary in Balindog, Kidapawan City. The celebration marked the beginning of the Academic Year and sought to invoke the guidance, wisdom, and gifts of the Holy Spirit upon the entire seminary community.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kidapawan, Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, D.D.
In his homily, Bishop Bagaforo reflected on the Latin maxim Per aspera ad astra—”Through hardship to the stars.” He encouraged the seminarians to embrace every challenge and opportunity in their formation with perseverance, dedication, and excellence. He emphasized that each aspect of seminary life contributes to personal, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth, inspiring the seminarians to strive for their fullest potential.
Present during the celebration were the seminary formators led by the Seminary Rector, Rev. Fr. Desiderio P. Balatero Jr., DCK, together with the Spiritual Directors, priest-professors, and seminarians. Also in attendance were the President of Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Bro. Arnel S. Alfanta, FMS, along with members of the College Administration and faculty.
Before the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Bagaforo blessed the professors of the seminarians and officiated the induction of the newly elected officers of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Diocesan Seminary Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC). Following the Eucharistic Celebration, the Seminary Community hosted a fellowship dinner, providing an opportunity for fellowship and thanksgiving.
A highlight of the gathering was the formal presentation and acceptance of the 12 new Propaedeutic Seminarians into the seminary community. Adding a joyful atmosphere to the occasion, Bishop Bagaforo engaged the seminarians in a brief question-and-answer activity to assess their knowledge and rewarded those who answered correctly with prizes.
The celebration concluded in a spirit of gratitude, unity, and hope as the seminary community officially welcomed the new academic year. Strengthened by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and inspired by the theme Per aspera ad astra, the seminarians embark on another year of faithful, meaningful, and fruitful formation in their journey toward the priesthood.
