DEFENSORES FIDEI FOUNDATION - THE 3RD APOLOGETICS SEMINAR IN BAGUIO

The DFF Team [Bro. Alex, Bro. Mars, Bro. Caloy and myself together with the organizer Bro. John Emperador] with one seminarian who kept on asking us questions raised by the ADD and Fr. Florito Apalias, the Seminary Rector and Fr. Vincent Sagundoy, one of the professors and administrators.

Few weeks before we went to Baguio Bro. John Emperador already informed us that it is not possible to have a talk with the Seminarians on Feb. 22, 2010 because they have classes. Fortunately, the classes were canceled by the government due to the celebration of the EDSA REVOLUTION. So, Fr. Flor gave us the grace to speak once again to the seminarians.

Last November 2009, however we had the chance to speak to the Seminarians for two days and we were able to expound on several topics. This time however we were limited to the morning of Feb. 22 and we have to end by 12:00nn. It is very short but we cannot pass by this opportunity so we decided to remove sight-seeing in our schedule and instead used the hours allotted for touring around with the seminarians.

Having limited time has its own advantage too. We were forced to focus on major topics and careful not to repeat what has been given previously so that we can cover as wide as possible but as focused as much as possible. So, we gave Marian Doctrines to Bro. Mars, RH Bill to Bro. Caloy and they gave me Sacraments focused on Priesthood and Eucharist.

The first talk was given by Bro. Mars because Bro. Caloy and myself were caught in the traffic since we were sleeping in La Trinidad, Benguet. Our benevolent host, Manong Alex drove us to Baguio City to be in San Pablo Seminary on time but we were late due to traffic. Thank God Mars was ready to take the first shots.

Bro. Mars explaing the Biblical Foundation of Catholic Veneration of Mary

When we arrived at the Seminary Mars had started by about 20 minutes. I've noticed that the number of seminarians was only half of the previous audience but little by little the others started joining as soon as they finished their house chores and necessary responsibilities.

Early morning of February 22 the Seminarians were diligently taking notes the Biblical passages and explanations of the faith

The presence of the Powerpoint Presentations and the Bible Texts on screen were very helpful for the seminarians. They were following every passages and every arguments presented. It further helped that we have limited time because we eliminated the minor arguments and concentrated on the major ones. It made our presentations fast paced and very direct to the point.

Atty. Marwil, being a lawyer from the prestigious U.P. College of Law, a law professor and a soon to be finished M.A. in Law brilliantly explained the provision "The Separation of Church and State" of the Constitution during the Questions and Answers.

Another blessing during this apologetics talk is that we were able to utilize to the full Mars erudition as a lawyer and a constitutional expert. The students started asking about controversial issues wherein the government and the Church are in opposition with each other's position and Bro. Mars eloquently and brilliantly dismantled the accusations that the Church is violating the provision on the Separation of Church and State as well as Freedom of Choice of the Individual.

The Seminarians listening attentively

For his part Bro. Caloy was at his best this time. He was clear and precise, witty and straightforward without being bombastic. He is a kind of speaker who speaks gently and on some instance almost like a whisper but always captivating and interesting in his presentations of ideas.

I like this team very much. All are talented and skillful yet respectful and helpful of each other. There is unity and complementarity arising from each one making their presentations as if a piece of a plan rather than an independent work of an individual.

Fr. Abe explaining the Biblical Foundation of Priesthood in relation to the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and of Confession

The seminarians also responded very well. They kept on asking questions until it was already very late to the point that the 12:00nn deadline reached 12:3opm late. We were lucky that the rector and his fellow administrators were so accommodating and friendly.

Before leaving we already received messages from people and from the priests inviting us to return for the next apologetic programs. There are also invitations in other provinces. Let us pray that this apostolate will be continuously blessed by the Lord so that under the guidance of His Holy Spirit it will spread all over the land.

Bro. Caloy debunking the RH Bill

GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING IS NOW AND WILL BE FOREVER. AMEN.

After about an hour the seminarians doubled in number since those of higher years joined Fr. Abe explaining the Biblical Foundation of Catholic prohibition of Women Priests during the Questions and Answers

Bro. Caloy during the Questions and Answers

Bro. Mars at the back. Even the Seminarians at the back were attentively listening to the speakers