The Adopt-A-Seminarian Scholarship Program is an educational program launched in 1997 by Fr. Isabelo “Bel” R. San Luis, SVD, at the Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City to help seminarians in the Philippines pursue their calling to serve the Church. It is funded with the help of donors and Catholic organizations and is meant to provide support to young men who are interested but can’t afford the cost of seminary studies. Since its founding, the program has supported over 100 seminarians and helped produce 23 priests and seven theologians, many of which now serve as priests in the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and other congregations across the country.
If you or someone you know feels called to the priesthood but needs financial assistance, here’s a complete and easy-to-follow guide on how to apply for the Adopt-A-Seminarian Scholarship Program.
Program Overview
The Adopt-A-Seminarian Scholarship Program was meant to provide monetary support to deserving young men from modest or struggling families who are studying for the priesthood. The program connects these seminarians with kind-hearted benefactors who help cover their tuition, books, and other academic needs.
Here’s a list of what the program offers:
- Financial assistance to cover a portion of tuition fees, books, and other academic expenses throughout the seminary formation.
- Allowance or monetary help for daily needs such as food, transportation, and personal essentials.
- Spiritual and moral encouragement in the form of prayers, moral guidance, and letters of support to inspire their journey to priesthood.
- Continuous support throughout seminary training until priestly ordination, depending on performance and need
- Access to mentorship and guidance from vocation formators, prefects, and spiritual directors involved in the program.
- Network and community support from an even wider network of seminarians, priests, and benefactors who share the same mission of nurturing vocations.
- Reduced financial burden on families, for seminarians from low-income or struggling families
- Opportunity to focus on vocation and dedicate their time and energy to prayer, study, and pastoral formation instead of worrying about living expenses.
Fr. San Luis emphasizes that aspiring priests shouldn’t be discouraged by financial hardship:
“If you have the vocation, go for it. Do not worry about the financial support because it’s our responsibility. We need seminarians, and we have to support them — because without them, we wouldn’t have priests, missionaries, bishops, or popes.”
How the Program is Sustained
The Adopt-A-Seminarian Program thrives through continuous support from benefactors, parishes, and Catholic communities both in the Philippines and abroad.
Fr. San Luis and the Mission Communication Foundation, the SVD’s media arm, use various media platforms to appeal for donations — from newspaper columns like The Word Alive in the Manila Bulletin, to televised Masses like the Family TV Mass on GMA 7, and previously, radio programs such as Salitang Buhay on DZMM.
Even during the pandemic, when economic conditions were uncertain, benefactors stepped up with generous donations to help seminarians continue their studies. One donor even sent ₱100,000 in aid at the height of the lockdowns — a true testament to faith and compassion.
Who Can Apply
The program is open to seminarians studying in major seminaries who meet the following qualifications:
- Must have ecclesiastical approval (recommendation from their local diocese or congregation).
- Must be officially accepted into a recognized seminary.
- Some programs may require affiliation with a specific religious order, such as the SVD, or have additional requirements.
- Applicants should show good moral standing and commitment to completing their priestly formation.
Requirements
Before starting with the application, it’s best to prepare the following documents first:
- Completed application form
- Personal letter describing your background and reasons for applying
- Official transcripts
- Proof of seminary admission
Procedures
Each scholarship program may have slightly different processes depending on where it is offered, but here’s the guideline based on the structure followed by the SVD’s Adopt-A-Seminarian Program:
Step 1. Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet all the requirements mentioned above, including ecclesiastical approval and seminary acceptance. If unsure, consult your seminary’s prefect or vocation director for guidance.
Step 2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary paperwork before applying.
Step 3. Secure Letters of Recommendation
Request letters of recommendation from people who know your character and vocation journey — such as your parish priest, seminary formator, or a religious superior.
Step 4. Submit Your Application
Follow the submission process set by the program. Some accept online submissions, while others require printed documents sent to a specific address. Always check the instructions carefully.
Step 5. Wait for Evaluation and Possible Interview
Applications undergo screening by the prefectures in various parts of the country. Those who pass are endorsed to the main office in Manila for final evaluation. Some candidates may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information.
Step 6. Confirmation of Scholarship
If approved, you’ll be officially notified and matched with a sponsor or funding partner. You’ll then receive your scholarship grant according to the seminary’s academic schedule.
Where to Find Adopt-A-Seminarian Programs
If you’re looking to apply or recommend someone, here are some places to start your search:
- Local Parish or Diocesan Vocation Office: They often have details about local sponsorship programs for seminarians.
- Religious Orders: Groups like the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) or Knights of Columbus have their own versions of the Adopt-A-Seminarian Program.
- Theological Seminaries: Some seminaries, like Hood Theological Seminary, also run similar projects such as the “Adopt-A-Minister” initiative.
- Catholic Organizations: Groups like the Military Council of Catholic Women and Companions of the Cross also provide sponsorships or educational aid.
You may also contact Christ the King Mission Seminary or the Mission Communication Foundation (SVD) for inquiries related to the Philippines-based Adopt-A-Seminarian Scholarship.
How Benefactors Can Help
For donors and parishioners, supporting a seminarian is not just financial — it’s also spiritual. The program encourages benefactors to pray regularly for seminarians, write letters or send small care packages, and offer moral encouragement throughout the year.
Guidelines for donors include:
- Send letters or holiday cards 1–2 times per school year.
- Keep gifts under ₱1,500 (or $25) if sending packages.
- Offer unconditional support — seminarians have limited time to respond due to their formation schedule.
- Pray for vocations and join community holy hours when possible.
Current Reach and Impact
As of 2022, the Adopt-A-Seminarian Scholarship Program supports 28 seminarians — 12 from the SVD and 16 from other congregations — across various seminaries in the Philippines. This enduring success reflects the generosity of people who believe in the importance of nurturing future priests. It continues to serve as a beacon of hope, proving that faith and community support can truly sustain the Church’s mission.
How to Get Involved or Donate
If you’d like to donate or adopt a seminarian, you can reach out to:
- Mission Communication Foundation, Inc. (SVD)
- Office Address: Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City, Philippines
- Donations may also be made securely via PayPal through partner Catholic media channels such as Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) — the official media platform of the Catholic Church in Asia.