From January 28 – 30, 2008, the SCJ Philippine District held its annual assembly. The aim of this three-day event was evaluation and planning of activities of the District.

As usual, the first day of the assembly was dedicated totally to the personal sharing preceded by personal meditation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Each member of the District had an opportunity to share about himself, his work, health and spiritual life.

The main theme of the second day was formation and all related to it matters. The formators in-charge of each stage of formation presented their reports, which were followed by questions, clarifications and ardent discussions. Also, on the second the different parishes, commissions and committees informed the assembly about their past activities and plans for the future.

The first half of the third day was dedicated to the financial matters of the District. Besides the financial reports, presented by the District Treasurer, the assembly was also talking about the different projects being run by the District, plans for the Retreat Center in Dumalinao, recompense for the SCJ workers, etc.

During the second half of the third and last day Fr. Rino Venturin, the District Superior, informed the assembly about some important events that are going to happen this year such as international convention in Manila, District Chapter, and some other urgent matters concerning the District.

Each day activities were concluded with the Holy Eucharist. On the first and third day, the Holy Mass was presided by the Fr. Aloisio Back and Fr. Benedito Machado respectively, who very recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood; Fr. Aloiso on December 31, 2007 and Fr. Benedito last January 15, 2008. On the second day the Holy Mass was presided by Fr. “Yan”, who right after the assembly is leaving for his new assignment in another country.

On January 15, 2008, Fr. Jose Benedito Machado de Moraes, scj, celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. Since on that day he was still in Brazil on his vacations celebrating his anniversary with the truck drivers in his home parish, the celebration of his Silver Jubilee in the District took place on January 30, 2008 in Cagayan de Oro on the last day of the District Assembly.

Fr. Bene, during his short but beautiful and inspiring homily, thanked God for his vocation and for the opportunity of celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination. He also recalled his way to the Philippines, which was basically following the footsteps of Jesus and… footsteps of Fr. Al, his companion and close friend. First as a director of the school, later on in Mato Grosso and finally in the Philippines. For him there is nothing that can recompense the joy of being a priest and to serve God and His people. He also encouraged the young seminarians in Cagayan de Oro to be faithful to their vocation saying that there is not greater happiness than to be close to God and to serve Him, to be His instrument. For us, the SCJs it would be a great moment to see them in the future as priests.