Christian Formation
The Congregation for Catholic Education, in the 1997 document, The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, underlines the identity of Catholic schools “at the heart of the Church.” Catholic schools participate in “the evangelizing mission of the Church and is the privileged environment in which Christian education is carried out.” In the words of the Second Vatican Council, the indispensable role of Catholic schools is highlighted: “So indeed the Catholic school, while it is open, as it must be, to the situation of the contemporary world, leads its students to promote efficaciously the good of the earthly city and also prepares them for service in the spread of the Kingdom of God, so that by leading an exemplary apostolic life, they become, as it were, a saving leaven in the human community.” (Declaration on Christian Education, Gravissimum Educationis)
As an arm of the Lyceum of Aparri in the formation of a strong Christian character in the academic community, the Christian Formation Office plays a key role in facilitating and accompanying students, faculty and staff in their encounter with God. Through this encounter, the community is led to intensify their understanding of the Catholic Church- her teaching, life, and mission- and be inspired to be living witnesses of the values (truth, love, justice, mercy, peace, servant-leadership) taught by Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Christian Formation Office, in short, assists in forming people to “become not just outstanding learners, but also authentic witnesses of faith.” (Pope Francis)
Lyceum of Aparri marks 59th Foundation day with thanksgiving mass
February 14, 2026
APARRI, CAGAYAN - The Lyceum of Aparri community gathered in faith and gratitude to celebrate its 59th Foundation Day through a solemn Thanksgiving Mass celebrated on the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius at the San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Church last February 14, 2026.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided by the Most Rev. Ricardo L. Baccay, DD, Archbishop of Tuguegarao. The event served as a spiritual milestone, honoring nearly six decades of the institution’s commitment to Catholic education and its mission within the region.
A Call to “Eyes of Faith”
During his homily, Archbishop Baccay emphasized the pillars of remembrance and thanksgiving. Addressing the faculty, staff, parents and students, he encouraged the Lycean community to look beyond the immediate hurdles of academic life. Only by viewing our present challenges through the “eyes of faith”- the eyes of God- can we truly see His grace unfolding in our history, the Archbishop remarked.
Joining Archbishop Baccay as concelebrants were the Lyceum’s priest-administrators: Fr. Joel M. Reyes, School President, Fr. Prudencio M. Edralin, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Fr. Lordan T. Lagda, School Chaplain, priests from San Telmo Parish: Fr. Augustus Calubaquib and Fr. Robert Ramos, and the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Dennis T. Ordillos.
Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit and thanksgiving Mass
February 9, 2026
APARRI, CAGAYAN - The Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary (TAMS), the only diocesan seminary located inside a school (Lyceum of Aparri) celebrated last January 28, 2026 the feast of their patron saint. The highlight of the festivities was a Thanksgiving Mass of newly ordained priest Rev. Fr. Jenmar Valdez Verzola, an alumnus from the Diocese of Bayombong.
The Eucharistic celebration served as a profound tribute to Fr. Verzola’s journey, offering gratitude to God for the gift of his priestly vocation. This homecoming was met with immense joy as faculty, students, and clergy gathered to witness Fr. Verzola’s return to his spiritual roots, now as a shepherd.
The celebration also paved way for the solemn procession and lauds of the Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Community and the Pagarubangan- the Regional Philosophical Conference 2026 hosted by the College of Liberal Arts.
Bible Month Celebration
January 18 - 26, 2026
In celebration of Bible Month, the Christian Formation Office of the Lyceum of Aparri spearheaded BIBLIOSEANO 2026 through a series of activities centered on the Word of God and the study of Holy Scripture. The activities, conducted from January 18 to 25, 2026, aimed to hone Lyceans’ appreciation of God’s Word as a creative and powerful force that transforms the lives of believers.
Lyceum of Aparri participates in the Metropolitan Research Assembly
January 10, 2026
TUGUEGARAO CITY - Delegates from across the region recently convened last January 10, 2026 for the Metropolitan Research Assembly, a significant gathering that successfully strengthened the pastoral foundation of the local Church through a synthesis of data and dialogue. The assembly brought together representatives from the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Lyceum of Aparri delegates among them, the Diocese of Ilagan, the Diocese of Bayombong, the Prelature of Batanes, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk to engage in a collaborative effort of communal discernment.
A central feature of the assembly was the presentation of comprehensive survey results by the UST–CBCP Team, led by Rev. Fr. Vladimir Echalas. This data-driven presentation provided a clearer picture of the current religious and social landscape, serving as a vital resource for the delegates as they navigated the complexities of modern ministry during their sessions.
Beyond the presentation of findings, the assembly prioritized a process of communal discernment that invited all participants into an active and shared dialogue. This interactive format successfully promoted the spirit of synodality, ensuring that pastoral planning and decision-making processes moving forward are inclusive and reflective of the collective wisdom of the various dioceses, prelatures, and vicariates involved.
By fostering a culture of listening and evidence-based planning, the Metropolitan Research Assembly empowered church leaders to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of their respective communities. As the event concluded, the focus remained on the fruits of this gathering: a more unified and synodal Church that is deeply rooted in both faith and the lived realities of the faithful.
Feast of the Black Nazarene
January 9, 2026
Guided by faith and strengthened by devotion, many devotees from different parishes, together with the students, took part in the Traslación, the concluding rites of the Feast of the Poong Nazareno, from the Lyceum of Aparri to the Parish Church.
Even as rain poured down, the faithful pressed on, for ang tunay na deboto remains steadfast, holding fast to the Lord who carries the cross with His people.
As the Scriptures remind us: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mt 16:24).
In rain and in trials, the Poong Nazareno continues to walk with His faithful.
¡Viva Jesús Nazareno!
Closing of the Jubilee Year
December 28, 2025
On the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao gathered for the Closing of the Jubilee Door, presided over by Archbishop Ricardo L. Baccay. As we close this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, under the leadership of Archbishop Baccay, sincerely thanks the 24 Pilgrim Churches across our parishes, schools, seminaries, and hospitals in our local Church. Through your generous participation, this Jubilee Year was made truly meaningful and tangible for countless pilgrims. In a special way, we express our gratitude to the Cathedral priests, the beautiful choir of Coro de San Jacinto, and the Association of Major Seminarians of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao for their dedicated service and collaboration. As our Archbishop reminded us, may the closing of this Jubilee Year not be an ending, but a sending forth—toward deeper missionary zeal, ongoing conversion, and renewed commitment to hope in the life of the Church.
Advent Recollection
December 5, 2025
The Christian Formation Office also facilitated a special Advent Recollection for the parents of our First Holy Communion candidates. Our speaker, Sem. Jhon Lloyd A. Estaris, beautifully highlighted the value of good and faith-filled parenting—a path that leads children closer to Jesus, especially as they prepare to receive Him in the Holy Eucharist. May this season of Advent inspire every parent to become a guiding light of love, faith, and hope within their families.
Catechism Session
December 5, 2025
In the Audio-Visual Room, four seminarians interacted with the elementary pupils to give a catechism session. The children were visibly attentive, focusing on the teachings shared by these four seminarians. To Sem. Dranzei Fritz Bal-ut, Sem. Nivel Esquibil, Sem. Wendel Manuel and Sem. Brent Capala, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for enlightening and engaging catechism session you shared with the Elementary Students.
Lyceum of Aparri celebrates the jubilee of Seminarians in the Jubilee year of Hope
August 24-25, 2025
APARRI, CAGAYAN - In a vibrant manifestation of faith and fellowship, male altar servers from across the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao recently gathered last August 24-25, 2025 for the Altar Server Congress 2025, hosted by Lyceum of Aparri and San Jacinto Seminary, respectively. The event was organized in celebration of the Jubilee of Seminarians during this Jubilee Year of Hope, focusing on the spiritual growth and vocational discernment of young men serving at the altar. The LA catered parishes from the Northern vicariates while the San Jacinto Seminary for Southern vicariates.
The congress offered a comprehensive program designed to balance deep spiritual formation with active community building. A central highlight of the event was an engaging “talk show” on the liturgy, where participants explored the theological depth of their ministry in an interactive manner. This was complemented by various liturgical catechesis and solemn moments of Eucharistic adoration and celebration, allowing the servers to reflect on their ministry. Beyond the formal sessions, the congress was alive with energy through various games and socialization activities.
Announcement!
The Way of the Cross
As we observe the holy season of Lent, the Lyceum of Aparri Christian Formation Office cordially invites all Lyceans to the weekly celebration of the Lenten devotion, the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross) every 3 o’clock in the afternoon around Lyceum of Aparri Grounds.
The Stations of the Cross (The Way of the Cross; in Latin Via Crucis; Passion of Christ) is a spiritual journey through Jesus’ final experience on earth which culminated with his crucifixion on the cross and resurrection as described in the Sacred Scriptures. Pope Francis describes the cross as “the word through which God has responded to evil in the world. God has spoken, he has replied, and his answer is the Cross of Christ: a word which is love, mercy, forgiveness…” Further, Pope Francis exhorts all Christians to “continue this Via Crucis in our daily lives, carrying in our hearts this word of love and forgiveness.”
A grace-filled Lenten season!
Schedule of Community Mass
- Monday to Friday: 5’o clock in the afternoon at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Church
- Saturday: 11’o clock in the morning at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Church
- Sunday: 8’o clock in the morning at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Church
- First Monday: 11’o clock in the morning at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Church (Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit)
- First Friday: 7.30 in the morning and 11’o clock in the morning at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Church (Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion)
- First Saturday: 4’o clock in the morning at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Church (with Dawn Procession and Rosary)
Others:
- Confession: To be coordinated with the Christian Formation Office
- Anointing of the sick: To be coordinated with the Christian Formation Office
- Spiritual Direction/ Consultation: To be coordinated with the Christian Formation Office or School Chaplain
Contact Information:
Mr. Paolo Angelo C. Guibani, MAPh
Bro. Julian D. Cababa III
Campus Ministry Advisers
Fr. Lordan T. Lagda, SThL
School Chaplain