Cosme was a difficult experience for us in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. We thought, at first, that LFC had it bad. The Pavillion roof was completely destroyed, the gutters at the southern section of the building all went down, rainwater got inside the second floor corridors, bedrooms and toilets, the chapel was even flooded four inches. (Later, 0ur expenses were unimaginable and our savings had been considerably depleted because of the need to repair them all.)
But not until we saw other churches, institutions, not to mention the homes of our people, much more, of the less fortunate brothers and sisters of ours.
The Minor Seminary in Binmaley was badly hit. The entire roof of the north building (above the second year dormitory) flew entirely to the ground. The chapel landing was severely damaged and other sections affected enormously.
LFC was offered as a temporary home to the seminarians while repairs went underway. Fr. Jerry Cera, Rector and the entire staff knew of the adjustments and troubles - but it was the only solution so that the repairs could be pursued. Fr. Leo Macaraeg of the St. John Cathedral School spearheaded the gigantic responsibility of retrofitting the seminary. It had cost millions in pesos.
After 3 months, the minor seminarians are all excited to see their "new" home. They are finally going home next week. They moved out of LFC on 28 August 2008.
LFC is never the same again. The experience of having the minor seminary community was formative even to our staff. LFC somehow has got in humbly in the history of the most venerable institution in our province - the Mary Help of Christians Minor Seminary! Mabuhay!
