SEMINARIUM SAN VINCENTII A PAULO

Today we commemorate the feast of Saint Vincent the Paul, the founder of the
Congregation of the Missions more properly known as Padres Paules or the Vincentians.

Colegio Catolico (1905-1910)

The Vincentians mission to Samar began in the year 1905 when they administered the
existing Colegio de San Vicente de Paul in Calbayog. The presence of the Catholic School in the
stoutly Catholic town of Calbayog made it to become the sede of the new Diocese of Samar and
Leyte provinces.

Colegio Seminario de Calbayog (1910-1924)

On April 10, 1910, the Diocese of Calbayog was erected with Msgr. Pablo Singzon de la
Anunciacion as the first residential bishop. He decreed the establishment of a seminario to be
called as Colegio Seminario de San Vicente de Paul which its purpose is to produce native men
for the priesthood. Fr. Gregorio Tabar, CM was assigned as the first rector of the seminary.

The Separated Seminario (1924)

In 1924, during the episcopate of Bishop Sofronio G. Hacbang, and in obedience to the
Norms of the Holy See, the seminario was separated from the colegio. The Colegio was
transferred to Barrio Rawis and to be administered by the Diocesan clergy while the seminario
remained in its original site. The first rector of the separated seminario was Fr. Teodoro Robredo,
CM. This time the curriculum of the seminary was organized into four-year Seminario Menor
and a six-year Seminario Mayor.

Glorias de Calbayog

Through the years, the seminary continued to be the Glories of Calbayog where it
provided a quality education and produced graduates who become successful in various fields.

The Second World War (1941-1944)

During the Second World War, it was the only seminario in the Philippines that was
permitted to operate because of the courageous effort of Bishop Miguel Acebedo and his cordial
relation to the Japanese invaders.

The Last Padres Paules (1964-1965)

After the war years, the Apostolic Delegate gave an order to close the Seminario Mayor
because of the financial difficulties of the diocese but the Seminario Menor remained. For 59 years
serving the diocese, the Vincentians Fathers finally ended their mission and ministry to Samar.

Administration of the Diocesan Clergy and the New Seminary Building

The administration of the seminary was turned over to the diocesan clergy in June of 1964. Vicar-
General Msgr. Bernardo Dalwatan was assigned as the first diocesan rector by Bishop Cipriano
Urgel. Assisting him were: Fr. Orlando Tizon (Vice Rector & Prefect of Discipline), Fr. Cirilo
Nachura (Spiritual Director and Principal), Fr. Tarcisio Abrematia (Procurator) and Fr. Jose
Alaras and Deacon Bernabe Sision as Instructors. On March 7, 1966, a new seminary building
located in Brgy. Dagum was inaugurated. The turn-over the administration of the seminary was
fast and newly-ordained priests were assigned to administer the school before they will assign to
administer a parish. The following Diocesan Rectors who administered the seminary were:

Msgr. Bernardo Dalwatan (1964-1965)

Fr. Orlando Tizon (1965-1966)
Fr. Cirilo Nachura (1966-1968)
Fr. Orlando Tizon (1968-1971)
Fr. Guillermo Yabao (1971-1975)

The Brief Closure of the Seminary

In 1973, Bishop Cipriano Urgel, then the Bishop of Calbayog asked to review the
sustainability of the seminary. Based on the study conducted by Fr. Nachura, 90% did not even
become priest. Bishop Urgel was transferred to the Diocese of Palo and so could not act on the
result of the study. The action was left to Bishop Tancinco to make the decision. After the school
year 1974-75, the Minor Seminary was effectively closed down.

Formation Houses

Prior to its closure in 1974, there are already two formation houses established by the
diocese. One in Calbayog for high school graduates in the Christ the King College and the other
was in Brgy. Bagbag in Novaliches, Quezon City for the college and theology seminarians.

In 1978, college seminarians were sent to Palo and the Novaliches Formation House was
closed while the theologians were sent to Maryhill School of Theology. Until 1985, the seminary
house in Calbayog became a pre-seminary for graduates who wished to enter the seminary. This
would continue until 1986.

The Present St. Vincent de Paul

Through various efforts made, the seminary was re-opened in 1987 and took the new
name, St. Vicente de Paul College Seminary (SVPCS) with Fr. Oscar Lorenzo as its rector. Priests
from Borongan became part of the formation staff: Fr. Lope Robredillo, Fr. Venancio Amidar, Fr.
Marlon Gacho, Fr. Cyrain Cabueñas, Fr. Benito Noroña. Catarman priests were Fr. Gaspar
Balerite, Fr. Romualdo Sosing, Fr. Bartolome Bacsal and Msgr. Romeo Infante. Fr. Lorezo was
succeded by Mgr. Infante and later by Msgr. Leonardo Guadalquiver and Fr. Ricardo Pitogo.

At present, San Vicente de Paul College Seminary is under the rectorship of Rev. Fr.
Rodante Abegonia and it continues to fulfill its mission to produce native secular priests which
is the beacon of hope of the Catholic Samareños for the Diocese of Calbayog.
Reference

The Seminario de San Vicente Paul (1910-2010) by Rene B. Nachura and Fr. Noel C.
Labendia from The Roman Catholic Diocese of Calbayog. 100 years: Diocese of Calbayog (The
History of the Local Church in Samar). 2011.