March 22, 2011. There's an urgent need to have Filipino priests studying in Rome, says Father Gregory Gaston, the rector of the Pontifical Filipino College, because Rome is a strategic center of learning for Filipino priests and seminarians.

Fr. Gregory Gaston
Rector, Pontifical Filipino College
“I think Rome offers something else, something that could not be offered by other places simply because of the nature of our Church. The center of Catholicism and Christianity is here in Rome.”

The college's history dates back to 1959, when a conference of Filipino bishops unanimously agreed that they needed a college based in Rome for the formation of their priests. For the past 50 years, many Filipino priests have come to study under the guidance of the Pope and have gone back to their country to serve their respective dioceses.

Msgr. Nereo Odchimar
President, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
“Many of the graduates here from this college have become bishops, prominent theologians in our country, and staunch defenders of the Faith and able consultants in matters regarding our Faith and morals.”

Father Gaston said that priests who come to study at the Filipino College are able to be formed in all areas, and become truly equipped to preach the Gospel.

Fr. Gregory Gaston
Rector, Pontifical Filipino College
“They take up different subjects depending on their specialization and the need of the diocese, especially the seminary but also the curia in the diocese, meaning close collaborators of the bishops. Some of their studies in Sacred Scripture, in philosophy, theology, communications, some do social sciences and so many other fields. And I think we really need specialists at this time for the Church to be able to preach the Gospel, to proclaim the Gospel to the most diverse types of people, nationalities, mindsets, and so on.”

The College, located within sight of the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, is a second home for many of the priests that come to live and study in Rome.

Msgr. Nereo Odchimar
President, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
“It's a home away from home. I am surrounded by Filipinos, with a Filipino atmosphere, so we feel that although we left the Philippines we are in the surroundings and the atmosphere is also Filipino. It is good for us to be here and to experience. We will treasure as we give back to the Philippines.”

The College, which was blessed in 1961, is preparing to celebrate its 50th birthday this October. The students and faculty of the College had a special audience with Benedict XVI in February to celebrate the occasion.

RD
-GDP