“Send O Lord, Holy Apostles into Your Church!” This is the Rogationist Seminary – Cebu’s fervent prayer. The Rogationist Seminary in Cebu has a special history. It embodies faith and dedication.
On September 21 1990 the Rogationists’ novices arrived in Cebu. This transfer from Silang Cavite marked the Rogationists’ presence in the southern Philippines. It was a momentous event. The charism of the Rogate spread far. It reached Visayas and Mindanao.
The Novitiate’s establishment in Cebu sparked hope. Seeds of Rogationist vocation could now germinate. Young men from the region were willing to work in the Lord’s great harvest. Fr Salvatore Ciranni welcomed them. He was responsible for the building’s construction. He was the newly appointed Superior of the House.
Four months later Fr Rene Panlasigui arrived from Manila. He worked as the Vocation Promoter. He started vocation awareness activities. He visited remote areas of Visayas and Mindanao. The Rogationists’ name became known. Young boys got attracted to their charism and mission. The house grew into a formation house. It housed five seminarians. They attended SVD Formation Center for schooling.
On June 23 1991 Ricardo Cardinal Vidal inaugurated the House. The Superior General Fr Pietro Cifuni was present. His General Councilors joined him. The Rogationist Community gradually increased. Fr Luigi Toffanin led from 1991 to 1994. Fr Rene Panlasigui followed from 1994 to 2000. Fr Herman Abcede served from 2000 to 2006. Fr Marcelino Diaz II led from 2006 to 2009. These four superiors succeeded Fr Salvatore.
In January the seminary embarked on a medical apostolate. Dr Charles Cabataña and lay collaborators helped. They provided a free clinic to the poor neighborhood. This became the Avignone Medical Apostolate Program or AMAP. Angelo Zanassi an Italian businessman helped construct the Avignone Clinic. It was built near the seminary’s main gate.
In October 1999 the Philippine Pediatric Society chose AMAP as a partner. They delivered accessible health care. This was done through the CHAMPS initiative. Seminarians held weekly catechism classes. They taught nearby indigent children and students.
Currently Fr Christoper Salonga is the Superior. Fr Ronaldo Paulino is the Prefect of Discipline. Other Rogationist priests and brothers assist them. They train the seminarians. Fr Ruel Desamparado manages Vocation Animation and Promotion.
Rogationist Seminary College became independent. Fr Francis Escaño serves as Prefect of Studies. It accommodates Rogationist seminarians. It also houses seminarians from other congregations in Cebu.
In 2023 the Rogationist Seminary College inaugurated the new school year. Fr Dante Quidayan presided over the ceremony. Rogationist Fathers Redemptorist Fathers and PACEM Fathers attended. The seminary is accredited to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. Orientation sessions and faculty meetings marked the start of the academic year.
The Rogationist Seminary College in Cebu cultivates vocations. Eight courageous men participated in a vocation orientation. They engaged in prayer conferences and activities. Fr Sherwin Valenzuela Fr Kristian Irvin Taok and Fr Jeffrey Salvador guided them. The Rogationist Seminary – Cebu continues to inspire young men. It calls them to serve the Church.