On February 10, 2020, the SCJ Philippines Region has started its annual assembly. The assembly is being held at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City and is attended by 37 confreres, including Fr. Daniele Gaiola, SCJ, the Mission Secretary of the North Italian Province.

The assembly started with the welcome address of the superior of the community in Cagayan de Oro I, Fr. Patrick Gutib, SCJ and the Regional Superior, Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ. Fr. John Karl Cabaluna, SCJ, presented the rationale of the assembly, followed by a short reflection on community life prepared by Fr. Lukas, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In the afternoon of the first day, the participants following the guide questions shared their personal experiences of the community life highlighting the strengths, challenges, and suggestions on how to make better the community life.

The day ended with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Marcial Aguirre, SCJ, while the homily was delivered by Fr. Nathaniel D. Robilla, SCJ. The Mass was followed by supper and common recreation.

The second day was dedicated to the reports by different commissions of the Region. The main celebrant of the Eucharist was Fr. Robertus Sutopo, SCJ, while the homily was delivered by Dn. Julius D. Socorro, SCJ.

On the third and fourth day, the group will evaluate the three-year action plan of the 2018 Assembly, to see its implementation and to come out with concrete suggestions for all the communities and members of the Region. As usual, at the end of the assembly will be discussed plans and schedules of the Region.

The assembly is to conclude on February 14, 2020, at lunchtime.