On May 13, 2007, the SCJ District in the Philippines celebrated two very important events: blessing of the new novitiate and first profession of vows of five novices.

The ceremony started at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon with the Holy Eucharist presided by Most. Rev. Emmanuel Cabajar, CSsR, DD, the local Bishop of Pagadian. In the first part, the Bishop together with special guests blessed the chapel and other parts of the new novitiate, located in Barangay Lucoban, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.

The new novitiate comprises of four separated buildings and the chapel in front, and it is placed on a hill overlooking the Sumadat Valley with its rice fields and mountains and sea in the background. The place is beautiful and quiet, conducive for reflection and prayer.

In the second part the following novices:
1. Joseph Butlig,
2. Niño Etulle,
3. Elpidio Luza,
4. Patrick Gutib, and
5. Jasper Naresma
professed their first vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience in the Congregation of the Sacred Heart Of Jesus.

The Vows were taken in the presence of Bishop of Pagadian, SCJ confreres from all communities, special guests: Fr. August Hulsmann – Provincial Superior from Germany, Fr. Ryszard Mis – Vice-Provincial from Poland, Fr. Amatus Sukadi – Provincial Treasurer from Indonesia and F. Augustinus Guntoro from India, priests and religious from the Diocese of Pagadian, Lay Dehonians, families of the newly professed SCJs and friends of the Congregation.

The Vows were accepted by the District Superior Fr. Rino Venturin, scj.
During the same celebration 12 other young SCJs on temporary vows renewed their commitment to God and to the Congregation.
The celebration turned to be very nice and well prepared.