✝️ Edwin Canonigo, a born-again Christian from Cebu, claims that the priesthood could end within 12 years. Is this factual, or is it merely an opinion?

 

😊✨ Vivat Jesus!

📌 How about 2 Corinthians 4:4, did he truly understand it fully or it simply redounds on him as born again from Cebu?

The study and formation to become a Catholic priest typically takes 7 to 9 years total after high school, or 5 to 6 years if the candidate already holds a prior bachelor's degree.

Breakdown of Seminary Studies

The educational and formation process is divided into key academic and practical stages:

Philosophy Studies (2 to 3 years):

Seminarians study logic, metaphysics, ethics, and human nature.

If a candidate enters right after high school, this is done through an undergraduate college seminary (earning a B.A. in Philosophy).

If a candidate already has a secular college degree, they complete an accelerated "Pre-Theology" program of philosophy courses.

Theology Studies (4 years):

Graduate-level studies in sacred scripture, dogmatic and moral theology, church history, canon law, and liturgy.

This typically culminates in a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) degree.

Pastoral & Parish Internship (1 year): Hands-on experience working inside a local parish, learning homiletics, pastoral counseling, and community leadership, often embedded in the middle of the theology years.

Transitional Diaconate (About 1 year): After completing academic studies, the seminarian is ordained a transitional deacon—preaching, baptizing, and assisting at Mass—for roughly a year before final ordination to the priesthood.

The Four Pillars of Formation

In addition to academics, the journey focuses on total human growth through the Church Guidelines.

Intellectual Formation: Philosophy and theology.

Spiritual Formation: Prayer, daily Mass, and personal discernment.

Pastoral Formation: Learning how to shepherd and serve people.

Human Formation: Emotional maturity, integrity, and relational health.

On the other hand, 2 Corinthians 4:4 has this to say:

Hango sa salitang Waraynon:

“Diri hira natuo kay gindulman an ira mga huna-huna ngan yawan-on nga diyos hini nga kalibutan. Ginpupugngan niya hira hin pagkita han kapawa nga nasilaw ngada ha ira, an kapawa nga nagtikang han Maupay nga Sumat mahitungod han Himaya ni Kristo nga amo an hingpit nga ladawan han Diyos (2 Mga Taga-Corinto 4:4).

Sa wikang Filipino:

“Na binulag ng diyos ang sanlibutang ito Ang mga isip na Hindi nagsisimpalataya upang sa kanila’y huwag sumilang Ang kaliwanagan ng ebanghelio ng kaluwalhatian ni Kristo ang siyang larawan ng Diyos” (2 Mga Taga-Corinto 4:4).

Sa wikang English:

In their case, the “god of this world” has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).

In Catholic theology and Christian scripture, the phrase "god of this world" (or "prince of this world") does not refer to God the Creator, but rather to Satan (the devil).

Key Meanings in Catholic Teaching:

Satan’s Temporary Influence: The phrase comes from passages like 2 Corinthians 4:4 ("the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers") and John 12:31 ("the ruler of this world"). Catholics understand this to mean Satan holds a degree of temporal, perceived authority over fallen human systems, worldly temptations, and secular cultures that reject God.

Not Supreme Power: Satan is a fallen angel, not a Creator or an equal opposite to God. His influence is strictly limited by God’s ultimate sovereignty and providence.

Spiritual Warfare: Because human society is often swayed by greed, pride, and sin, the Church views Christian life as a form of "spiritual warfare" against the false values of this world.

Christ’s Victory: Catholic doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ defeated Satan through His death and resurrection on the cross, breaking the ultimate power of sin and death for those who follow Him.