CBS Opens New School Year with Solemn Convocation

Spes Pilgrim Center

Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word

Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City, PH

August 16, 2025

The Certificate in Biblical Studies (CBS) formally opened its new academic year with a solemn liturgy presided over by Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD, the shrine rector, invoking the Holy Spirit’s guidance as the program enters its third year of formation in biblical studies.

Opening liturgy presided by Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD, with Janet Lotuaco from the second-year Hope class leading the Prayer of Invocation to the Holy Spirit.

A moving highlight of the celebration was the Passing of the Light, where graduating students handed candles to the incoming class, symbolizing the transmission of faith and commitment to the study of God’s Word.

As part of the convocation, three graduates shared their CBS journey: Atty. Belsie Sy, Sylda Teves, an online student from Tagaytay, and Sr. Beth Semana, a religious sister from Bulacan who faithfully attended onsite classes every Saturday, rain or shine.

The convocation lecture was delivered by Fr. Dante Barril, SVD, Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and current Dean of Studies at the Divine Word School of Theology, Tagaytay. Drawing from his doctoral work, Fr. Barril presented a well-researched reflection on the theological connection between genealogy and mission in the Gospel of Matthew.

Fr. Dante Barril, SVD, gives his convocation lecture on the meaning of generation and mission in the Gospel of Matthew.

The event gathered more than one hundred attendees, including alumni from the pioneer Genesis Class, the Hope Class now in its second year, and the new batch of students. Around 100 new students have registered, with about 60 joining onsite for the convocation. Online students include those outside the country like KSA, Thailand and Kuwait.

Dr. Moises Catan, PhD, introduces the course Introduction to Sacred Scripture to the new first-year batch of 96 CBS students, joining both onsite and online.

The CBS is a Saturday Bible study program of the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, in collaboration with Christ the King Mission Seminary, the Biblical Apostolate of the Diocese of Cubao, and the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP), whose members serve as course facilitators.