On March 14, 2018, the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will celebrate the 175th Birth Anniversary of their founder Venerable Fr. Leo Dehon. On this occasion, the General Superior Very Rev. Heinrich Wilmer, SCJ, wrote a special letter entitled “Christ, refuge of the afflicted and sinners“. Analyzing the different human situations and needs of today’s world, he invites all members of the Dehonian Family to interpret it with the “Open Heart and Mind” and eyes gazed on the compassionate and merciful Heart of Jesus, in the light of the Dehonian Spirituality.

Announcing the year of the “Wounded Heart”, which will begin on March 14, 2018, and will end with the celebration of the Sacred Heart in 2019. He wrote “For us, the “Wounded Heart” is the icon of the 21st century, transmitting a message that goes beyond the word. This symbol is capable of accepting the feelings of women and men of this world. The icon of the “Wounded Heart” can reveal the inner and intimate life of desires and expectations, frustrations and sufferings. It refers to the feelings of many people, brings to life their anguishes and tears, their torture and suffering in the blood. All that is close to man bears the sign of the wound.” 

The Philippine Region on March 5, 2018, as a part of spiritual preparation for the Birth Anniversary of Fr. Dehon and installation of the new administration will start a special novena prepared by the Spirituality Commission. (Novena before the 175th Birth Anniversary of Fr Leo Dehon)