On June 7, 2026, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), Saint Paul Seminary Foundation in Silang, Cavite formally welcomed its new aspirants through the Rite of Acceptance into the Aspirancy Program of the Society of Saint Paul for Formation Year 2026–2027.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Norman Melchor Peña Jr., SSP, PhD, Rector and Dean of Studies of Saint Paul Seminary. Concelebrating with him were Rev. Fr. Samy Torrefranca, SSP, National Vocation Director, and Rev. Fr. Vinz Aurellano, SSP, Assistant Vocation Director. Also present were the members of the local Pauline community and the seminary formators, including Rev. Fr. Leopoldo Botavarra III, SSP, Local Superior, and Rev. Fr. Ledio Peter Barisoro, SSP.
During the Rite of Acceptance, Fr. Samy Torrefranca, SSP, formally presented the candidates to the Rector and the Local Superior. Coming from different regions of the Philippines, the new aspirants will undergo formation either in the Senior High School Program or the Regular College Program.
Senior High School Program
- John Carlo Bacolod (Pasay City)
- Mark Carlo De Leon (Cabanatuan City)
- Jay Paul Angelo Raba (Kalibo, Aklan)
- Reaven Vedad (Las Piñas City)
Regular College Program
- Noah Benitez (Imus, Cavite)
- Luciano II Cellan (San Ricardo, Southern Leyte)
- Yuan Rupert Cordova (Sampaloc, Manila)
- John Vincent Hipol (Cavite)
- Roey Sealtiel Longanilla (Banga, South Cotabato)
- Marck Danae Mangaliman (Navotas City)
- Brian Molina (Molo, Iloilo City)
- Jhan Carl Ortiz (Naga City)
- Sean Gabriel Paran (Pavia, Iloilo)
- Jun Myke Sagyana (Misamis Oriental)
- Mark Gerick I. Tolentino (San Mateo, Rizal)
In his homily, Fr. Peña underscored the providential significance of celebrating the Rite of Acceptance on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Reflecting on the mystery of the Eucharist, he emphasized that Christian vocation is fundamentally rooted in participation in the life of Christ, who continually gives Himself for the life of the world. He encouraged the aspirants and seminarians to cultivate a deep Eucharistic spirituality through faithful participation in the daily celebration of the Holy Mass, from which they will draw strength and perseverance throughout their formation journey.
Following the Rite of Acceptance, the new aspirants received copies of the Sacred Scriptures, Christian Prayers, and The Prayers of the Pauline Family as signs of their commitment to a life of prayer, discipleship, and vocational discernment within the Pauline Family.
Before the final blessing, the newly accepted aspirants rendered their batch song, “Manalig Ka.” The presentation deeply moved Fr. Peña, who shared a personal recollection of his late father, whose words of encouragement accompanied him during his own vocational journey. He noted that every vocation is ultimately a response freely given to God’s invitation, and he encouraged the aspirants to continue entrusting themselves to the Lord who has called them.
The celebration concluded with prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of new vocations and for the perseverance of the newly accepted aspirants as they begin their formation in the spirit and mission of the Pauline Family.
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.