Shannin Mae Olivarez

Seminar 2
May 15, 2018

What is/are my significant lessons did I learn from Seminar 2? Why and how do I say so?

The significant lessons that I learned from Semester 2 are the ones that have to
do with the technicalities of the Church, such as the essence of Eucharist and the proper
manner of celebrating it. I learned that singing Kordero ng Diyos after greeting people
with a sign of peace is not supposed to be a cheerful song; it is supposed to be a solemn
song asking for mercy and forgiveness. I also learned that taking the body of Christ
during Eucharist is supposed to be treated like a feast for people. Ideally, the priest is
supposed to have a good estimate as to how many people are attending the mass, in
order to ensure that no Eucharistic bread shall be put to waste. In addition to this, I also
realized that cleanliness and good hygiene should also be observed when receiving the
body of Christ. These may seem very minor observations and discoveries, but for me, it
plays a very vital role in ensuring that the Eucharistic celebration is done in a solemn
and respectful manner.
In addition to this, I also learned a lot about the Easter celebration as well. As a
Roman Catholic, I never realized how much I was not able to learn in my own religion,
because I am just focused in going to Church and praying in a routinely manner.
Another significant lesson that I learned was the importance of penance and the role of
the priests as an authoritative figure in the Church. Before, I had the same thoughts
about not going to penance in a regular manner since I confess my sins directly to God.
Although, I learned that one needs to regularly go to confession since the priests are the
ones given the authority by the Church to receive the confessions of people and to
forgive sins through God’s grace. In addition to this, I also learned the importance of the
Easter Sunday Mass. I realized that this particular mass is the most important mass in
Christianity, because it is the symbol of the birth of the Roman Catholic Church, and of
course, the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Overall, I consider all of these as significant lessons, because these are certain
details that are being taken for granted by most Christian worshippers. Most of the time,
we are only focused on going to mass every Sundays and praying the rosary. It is
important to know what goes behind the prayers and the Eucharistic celebrations, and
what the technicalities our religion possesses.