The Saint Paul Seminary Foundation joyfully celebrated its 56th Commencement Exercises for Academic Year 2024–2025 on April 26, 2025, at the Tanghalang Timoteo Giaccardo Auditorium. Fourteen students completed their formation, with eleven earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, three a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and one a Certificate of Philosophical Studies.
The day began with a Baccalaureate Mass at the Conversion of Saint Paul Chapel, presided over by Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, Jr., SSP, PhD, with Fr. Jose Aripio, SSP, as homilist. Reflecting on life’s trials and triumphs, Fr. Aripio encouraged graduates to persevere in hope. After the Mass, graduates received their sablay and blessed medals.
The graduation ceremony, themed “Sharing Gifts of Hope for a Better World,” opened with a message from Fr. Peña, who spoke of challenges faced by the seminary but affirmed its mission to form men and women after Jesus the Master. Degrees were conferred by Rev. Fr. Mario Subrejuanite, SSP. Commencement speaker Prof. Ben Carlo Atim, an SPSF alumnus and current head of the faculty, encouraged graduates to be quiet bearers of hope through presence and service.
Academic awards were also given: Mr. Velly John Tinco (Most Promising Thesis – Philosophy), Seminarian Ryan Pinzon (Best Thesis – Philosophy), Sister Judith Ma, FSP (Best Thesis Presenter – Communication), Seminarian Kilven Lorezo (Most Promising Thesis – Communication), and Seminarian Richmon Rey Jundis (Best Thesis – Communication). Four graduates received Latin honors: Seminarian Kilven Lorezo, Sister Judith Ma, Sister Laurin Kowal, and Sister Aemy Soo (cum laude), and Seminarian Richmon Rey Jundis (magna cum laude), who also received the Timoteo Giaccardo Award.
In his valedictory address, Seminarian Jundis spoke of moving forward through faith and community, transforming brokenness into hope. The ceremony concluded with the loyalty pledge, alumni induction, and a song tribute to mentors and families, followed by a celebratory lunch. The 56th Commencement marked not only an end but a renewed mission: to carry the light of hope into the world.
By Rhexelle Andrei Abdon
Rhexelle Andrei Abdon is a third-year AB Philosophy student at Saint Paul Seminary Foundation, discerning his vocation with the Society of St. Paul.