Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo urges seminarians to embrace spiritual fatherhood

Archbishop Emeritus Jose Romeo Lazo told seminarians during the opening Mass of the 14th Gathering of Theology Seminaries in the Visayas that they must embrace spiritual fatherhood before seeking ordination. Speaking at St. Joseph Regional Seminary in Jaro on Oct. 5, Lazo told 266 seminarians and 32 formators that they must desire to be fathers to the people of God.

Lazo said spiritual fatherhood should begin during seminary formation rather than waiting until after ordination. He told formators they are entrusted with the task of accompanying seminarians through listening, protection, and care to prepare them for ministry.

The biennial gathering includes representatives from four theology seminaries in the Visayas, including the St. Joseph Regional Seminary School of Theology of Jaro and the St. John the Evangelist School of Theology.