Vincentian Hills Seminary
Angono Rizal
Nestled at the hilltop of Angono Rizal, secluded for so many years from the public eyes. This place is a private place intended solely for seminarians, priests, laymen, and women of the Congregation of the Mission.
A little bit of history:
Vincentian Hills Seminary opened in 1964 to house the novitiate, the scholastic, and even the apostolic school. The philosophy student attended Adamson University and the theologians, the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Manila traffic made the commute from suburban Angono to two universities very time-consuming and difficult. For this reason, the scholastics moved to Tandang Sora in 1979.
Excerpt from The Vincentians: A General History of the Congregation of the Mission
By John E. Rybolt
Now, the place serves as a retreat house, convention place, meditation, learning place, and a place for finding one's inner peace and silence.
I grew up within the grounds of the Vincentian Hills Seminary. I used to roam this ground when I was a little girl.
I used to know this ground so well as this has been a big playground for me and my sibs. During summer this is my place. Why? because santol, kaimitos, and mangoes were already in season, and trees around the seminary bear the best free fruit you could ever imagine. I know which tree has the best-tasting mango as well as santol. Kaimito trees grew near the seminary buildings in front of the rooms of the priest.
I used to know those people who served and lived around the seminary before. There was Mang Maning the kitchen cook- who used to give me food every time he saw me playing in the seminary ground. Mang Garas is the seminary Driver as well as Mang Tony Tagaban who is the father of my classmate in elementary named Daniel. Ate Pina Clarete is the seminary dressmaker who lived in Col. Guido in front of our old house.
Rev. Fr. Rufo Diño, CM was the director before and my mom is his secretary.
Rev. Fr. Victor Dacillo Pacheco, CM (brother of Rev. Fr. Dario Pacheco, CM) used to live there and served as one of the resident priests. He became the beloved parish priest of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Marcelino Street in Manila way back in 1996-2001. I used to be his student assistant in his office all my college years at Adamson University.
Rev. Fr. Macario Cristobal, CM will always be special to me. As he was my speech, declamation, oration, poetry, and reading trainer/mentor during my elementary days in Doña Justa Guido Memorial School. He honed me to bagged the very 1st award of the school for paligsahan sa pagtula within Angono and within sangay nang Pasig at Rizal. I was 7 years old at that time. He is also the one who helped us during times of need.
My sibs and I used to clean the entire seminary during summer when all seminarians left for summer vacation. There was a time when we lived here for months before leaving Angono for Las Piñas City.
Vincentian Hills Seminary is my/our home. Whenever we have time, we see to it that drop by this place as this place will always have a very special spot in our hearts.
By the way, the horror 2019 movie Eerie of Bea Alonza was shot in this place.
Vincentian Hills Seminary is a renowned educational institution located in Angono, Rizal. It was established to provide seminarians with holistic formation and prepare them for their future roles as priests. Here is some information on Vincentian Hills Seminary:
1. Building: The seminary boasts a beautiful and serene campus, set amidst the scenic hills of Angono. The main building's architecture reflects a harmonious blend of modern design elements and traditional aesthetics, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and spiritual growth.
2. Construction Date: Vincentian Hills Seminary was established in 1963, with the construction of the main building commencing during that time. Since then, the campus has undergone various renovations and improvements to meet the changing needs of the seminary community.
3. Amenities: The seminary offers a range of amenities to support the seminarians' spiritual, academic, and personal growth:
- Chapel: A chapel serves as the spiritual heart of the seminary, providing a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and worship.
- Classrooms: Well-equipped classrooms facilitate academic learning and theological studies.
- Library: The campus houses a comprehensive library with an extensive collection of books, journals, and resources, catering to both theological and general academic needs.
- Dormitories: Comfortable dormitories provide seminarians with a conducive living environment, encouraging community building and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Dining Hall: A spacious dining hall caters to the nutritional needs of the seminary community, offering nutritious meals that nourish both body and soul.
- Recreation Facilities: Vincentian Hills Seminary recognizes the importance of recreation and provides facilities like sports fields, a gymnasium, and spaces for leisure activities, promoting physical and mental well-being.
4. Curriculum: The seminary follows a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academic instruction, spiritual formation, pastoral training, and pastoral exposure. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who can serve their communities with empathy, compassion, and theological expertise.
5. Community Life: Vincentian Hills Seminary places great emphasis on cultivating a vibrant community life among seminarians. Regular community activities such as daily prayers, retreats, community Masses, and recreational events foster camaraderie, friendship, and spiritual growth.
Vincentian Hills Seminary stands as a beacon of spiritual education, nurturing young minds and hearts with the guidance and teachings of the Vincentian values.
The building of Vincentian Hills Seminary is not only aesthetically pleasing but also thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of the seminary community. Here are some additional details about its architecture and features:
1. Architectural Style: The main building of Vincentian Hills Seminary exhibits a blend of modern and traditional architectural elements. It combines sleek lines, functional spaces, and traditional design elements to create a harmonious and serene environment.
2. Expansive Spaces: The building encompasses spacious areas that accommodate various activities. The classrooms are designed to promote interactive learning, while the chapel provides a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and reflection.
3. Natural Surroundings: The seminary is situated amidst the natural beauty of Angono's hills, allowing for breathtaking views from different parts of the building. The surrounding landscape enhances the overall ambiance and provides a sense of tranquility.
4. Tranquil Courtyards: The campus features courtyards that serve as peaceful outdoor spaces for relaxation and contemplation. These areas provide seminarians with opportunities to connect with nature and find solace in the serene surroundings.
5. Functional Facilities: The building of Vincentian Hills Seminary incorporates various amenities to support the academic and spiritual development of the seminarians. These may include well-equipped classrooms, a library with study areas, administrative offices, and comfortable living spaces in the dormitories.
6. Architectural Updates: Over the years, the building has undergone renovations and updates to adapt to modern requirements and enhance the overall experience of the seminarians. These updates might include improved technology infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and accessibility features.
The building of Vincentian Hills Seminary serves not only as a physical structure but also as a nurturing space where seminarians can learn, grow, and deepen their spiritual understanding.
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