School Year 2008-2009 officially opened at Our Lady of Lourdes Seminary, Lipa City with the Mass of the Holy Spirit held last June 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Br. Cesar Acuin, OFMCap with Br. Edgar Martinez, OFMCap, Br. Ron Artemio Ojeda, OFMCap, Br. Chito Bartolo, OFMCap, Br. Flavio Lacson, OFMCap and Br. William Bustamante, OFMCap concelebrating with him. Br. Eugenio Lopez, OFMCap assisted as deacon.

In his homily, Br. Cesar emphasized to the students the importance of being open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit not only in their academic endeavors but in living their life as Capuchins as well. According to the Minister Provincial, the Holy Spirit gives “a new vision” to each one in spite of the seeming ordinariness of the daily life in formation, “passion” in accomplishing the tasks and duties assigned to each one, and “perseverance and determination” to the end.

Before the final blessing, Br. Edgar Martinez, OFMCap, the outgoing Director of Postulants, took the opportunity to thank those who had been instrumental in helping him in his office in this past triennium. He gratefully acknowledged all the friars who have been part of the Postulancy formation team, as well as graciously recognized the contributions of the Seminary's lay partners and benefactors. The office of Postulant Director has been then turned over to Br. Chito Bartolo, OFMCap.

Aside from the postulants and aspirants, among those present during the Eucharistic Celebration were Br. Eligio Landingin, OFMCap, Br. Miguel Perdigon, OFMCap, Br. Rolando Donasco, OFMCap, Br. Alvin Erni, OFMCap, Br. Baltazar Benito, OFMCap, and brothers from the Post-Novitiate.

Lay partners and spiritual friends also attended the Mass. Mr. &  Mrs. Pablo Rabago, Nanay Merla and Ate Neri joined the friars and formandi in marking the beginning of the new school year: the Rabago couple teach English, Literature and Social Sciences, Ate Neri used to serve as the Librarian, and Nanay Merla is one of the Seminary's loyal and generous benefactors.

After the Mass, everyone shared the simple feast prepared for the event. Altogether, the day provided many opportunities where those present thanked God for the gift of brothers and friends and celebrated the hope and promise of another year.

Br. Cesar delivers an inspiring homily to begin the School Year.

The Post-novices and postulants participated as acolytes and servers during the Mass.

The friars, professors, and benefactors happily shared lunch after the Mass.