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.