This year's Seminary Day theme is: “The joy of proclaiming the Gospel.”Our Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante celebrates Seminary Day taking as its motto this year the title of Pope Francis' latest Apostolic Exhortation, "Evangelii Gaudium," that is to say “The joy of proclaiming the Gospel.” Fifty-four seminarians are currently enrolled in the 2013-2014 academic year in both Orihuela and Alicante. Thirty-nine of them are in Orihuela, where they are studying from the first year of secondary school through the second year of ecclesiastical studies. Fourteen more are in Alicante, already in the seminary. Six of these seminarians belong to the Diocese of Albacete but are completing their formation in Alicante.
This year, at Lope de Vega International School, we were honored to have eight seminarians from the third year of secondary school (ESO) and their mentor, Father Pedro Payá. On Monday, March 17th, and Tuesday, March 18th, they visited the fifth and sixth grade classes in primary school, as well as all the secondary school classes. It was a wonderful two days during which students and teachers alike had the opportunity to hear the testimony of these young men, courageous in their decision to follow Christ's call. In addition to sharing their experiences of encountering Jesus Christ, many students asked them questions about their lives, challenges, concerns, and life in the seminary. It was truly an enriching experience for everyone—seminarians and students alike.
On Tuesday, March 18th, we also experienced a particularly moving and joyful moment. It was the second anniversary of the priestly ordination of our chaplain, Father Javier, and his four companions: Father Miguel, Father Mikel, Father Juan Vicente, and Father Pedro. On this day, they celebrated a Mass in our school chapel to commemorate this important anniversary. Primary and secondary school students, as well as the seminarians, joined them for the Eucharist. This moment was especially poignant for everyone. Father Javier, on behalf of all his companions, thanked all the students of the school for joining them on this memorable day.
Seminar website: www.seminarioorihuelaalicante.es
