Fr. Arthur Guevara, SCJ, called by his friends Fr. Tong, is a self-made musician. Recently, together with the Frontline Creations band, Fr. Tong recorded a CD with his songs, which was officially launched during a special concert on May 9, 2009 in Kumalarang. “Pagdayeg, Himaya!”, placed recently on YouTube, is one of the Cebuano songs from that CD composed by Fr. Tong and it means “Praise, Glory!”. To watch it click here.
Monthly Archives: May 2009
20 Years of SCJ Presence in the Philippines
May 17, 1989 is the official date of arrival of first SCJ missionaries in the Philippines. The original group was composed of 8 priests coming from 5 different provinces: Argentinean, Indonesian, Polish, German and British-Irish. After six-month course of language and culture in Davao City, the members of the first group were assigned in 3 parishes: in Kumalarang and Margosatubig in the Prelature of Ipil and in Dimataling in Diocese of Pagadian.
Soon, the mission was joined by other members coming in different batches; total 14 priests and 2 brothers. At the same time 7 members returned to their mother provinces. Fr. Hans Sondermeijer of the first group died in Indonesia.
At the moment in the Philippines there are only 2 members left of the original group: Fr. Rino Venturin and Fr. Francis Pupkowski.
Today, we are 51 religious living and working in 5 communities. 25 are Filipino, 9 Vietnamese, 7 Indonesians, 4 Polish, 3 Brazilian, 1 Argentinean, 1 Italian and 1 British.
Start of the New Administration of the District
On May 1, 2009 the Philippine District celebrated the start of its new administration. The celebration was held in the Novitiate Fr. Dehon in Lucoban, Dumalinao and was attended by members of the old and new administration, communities of Kumalarang and Dumalinao, Novitiate community, District Superior of India Fr. Kusmaryadi, and SCJ scholastics from Manila and India attending the preparation program for final vows.
After the Gospel, Fr. Francis Pupkowski, the outgoing District Secretary and Treasurer, read the letter of the General Superior addressed to the new superior Fr. Jose Benedito de Moraes Machado and his council, which was followed by the “Profession of Faith.”
In his homily, Fr. Bene thanked the members of the old administration for their service and dedication and shared his insights regarding his new responsibilities as a superior.
The celebration was held in very fraternal atmosphere.
New Administration:
Fr. Jose Benedito de Moraes Machado – superior
Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito – 1st councillor
Fr. Andrzej Sudol – 2nd councillor
Fr. Vincentius Sri Herimanto – 3rd councillor
Fr. Arthur Guevara – district treasurer & secretary
SCJ Philippines Region 