In 1995 the project to build the new seminary was formally launched in a Mass presided over by Jaime Cardinal L. Sin at Villa San Miguel, Mandaluyong.
A construction committee was formed for the building of the new seminary, then estimated to cost 48 to 51 million pesos, with Mother Mary Thomas Del Rosario, O.P.
On the same date, college seminarians left SPXS; the day henceforth was called “Exodus.” It is commemorated annually to remind everyone of the historic departure from Lawaan to Cagay.
The pioneers of the newly established seminary comprised fifty seminarians and four priest-formators in residence: Jose F. Advincula Jr., first rector (now Archbishop of Manila); Digno V. Jore, vice-rector and procurator; John Michael V. Asis, dean of studies; and Alston V. Azarcon, spiritual director.
In the summer of 2001, the Holy See granted the request of the Archdiocese of Capiz to open the Theology Department, under the administration of Victor B. Bendico, second rector (May 2000 - November 2007).
On June 25, 2001, the Theology Department was formally opened with three first-year enrollees, namely: Vivencio Besa Jr., John D. Denosta, and Joey D. Javier.
That same year the seminary was officially registered in the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) as SANCTA MARIA MATER ET REGINA SEMINARIUM.
To date, the seminary has produced 50 priests, mostly serving the Archdiocese of Capiz and hundreds of successful Mariani alumni are working in various field.
On September 8, 2024, the seminary commemorated its 25th canonical establishment anniversary with an episcopal coronation for the venerated image of Sancta Maria Mater et Regina, titular patroness.
It's not an ordinary alumni association because the seminary is not an ordinary educational institution created and incorporated solely under a national law, and regulated by the appropriate government agencies, such as the Department of Education and the SEC, but was also created under the laws of the Church and regulated by the Vatican, and administered by the bishop through his priests.
Though the association is composed of Pians (ex-seminarians), it is not a religious or ecclesiastical organization or corporation like the Children of Mary, Knights of Columbus and Couples for Christ.