Determining Factors that Cause Seminarians Not to Pursue Life in the Seminary

The study focuses on factors that cause seminarians of not pursuing life in the seminary. The research objectives are to identify the following: (1) The Challenges faced by former seminarians during seminary years, (2) the reasons why former seminarians go out of the seminary, and (3) the values that the seminary has instilled in them, even in their journey outside the seminary. The study utilized the descriptive method as a qualitative research design, which utilizes a method that describes the characteristics of the population or phenomenon studied. This type of research provides a detailed and accurate picture of the characteristics and behaviors of a population or subject, which allowed the researchers to better determine the approaches used by the former seminarians to overcome the challenges faced while in formation in the seminary. The researchers interviewed five (5) respondents, all former students and graduates from St. Pius X Seminary, Roxas, Capiz, and Sto. Niño Seminary, Numancia, Aklan. The results of the study uncovered that the former seminarians faced spiritual, academic, and personal challenges. The result of the study discovered that seminarians desired to receive higher education outside the seminary and realized they needed other paths for personal growth and fulfillment. The study showed that despite not pursuing the seminary life, former seminarians recognize the vital role of prayer and values instilled by the seminary in their lives outside.