On December 27, 2019 four out of thirty-five applicants who passed the initial qualification exams responded the invitation to attend the search-in at Sacred Heart Formation House, Aluba, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City.

Out of four candidates three are coming from Surigao area and one coming from Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte area. Rev. Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ vocation director and Rev. Fr. Sergio Shoiti Matumoto, SCJ orientation year formator of the Philippine Region conducted the following sessions; General information about the congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ), the ministry and presence of SCJ Communities in the Philippines, vocation in general, vocation story of Rev. Fr. Sergio, the stages of formation and the life of the founder of the congregation and charism.


In addition, the applicants were interviewed during the search-in to evaluate and assess their motivation and desire why they wanted to become a religious priest. For two days the applicants were given the chance to experience seminary life. The search-in activities started and ended with the celebration of the Eucharist. Moreover, the vocation director will schedule a home visitation of the families of applicants that is prospect to be admitted in the formation program.


By: Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ