On April 1, 2023, the first death anniversary of Fr. Joseph Butlig, SCJ, we remember and honor his life and legacy. Fr. Joseph Butlig passed away at the young age of 42 on April 1, 2022, at 3:05 AM. He was born on November 27, 1979, in Alicia, Bohol. In 2005 he entered the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) and made his first profession of vows on May 13, 2007. He was ordained as a priest on November 26, 2013.

After a short assignment as an assistant parish priest in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, Fr. Joseph took on various roles within the SCJ Philippine Region, serving as a regional secretary, archivist, and treasurer. He also served as the project coordinator of Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc.

Fr. Joseph Butlig was a man of faith, compassion, and commitment. He touched the lives of countless people through his kindness, generosity, and love. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and loved by those who knew him.

On this first anniversary of his passing, we offer our prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We remember him with gratitude and honor his life and legacy. We pray that his soul may rest in peace and that his memory may continue to inspire us to live with faith, compassion, and love.

Though Fr. Joseph is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched throughout his life. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for the lasting impact he made on our lives.

Fr. Joseph’s passing has left a profound impact on all who knew him. His kindness, his warmth, and his infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of crossing his path. His loss has left a void in the hearts of his fellow priests, the members of the Kasanag Daughters Foundation, and the communities he served.

On the afternoon of the first anniversary of Fr. Joseph’s passing, a concelebrated Mass was held at the Forest Lake Cagayan de Oro Memorial Park. Regional Superior, Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, presided over the Mass, along with the SCJs from the Cagayan de Oro Area. The Mass was attended by family members, relatives, and friends of Fr. Joseph.

Following the Mass, the attendees shared a common meal provided by Fr. Joseph’s family. The meal was a reminder of the bonds that Fr. Joseph had forged with those around him, and of the love and support that his family, friends, and community had provided him throughout his life.

The celebration of Fr. Joseph’s first death anniversary was a beautiful and fitting tribute to his life and legacy. The Mass, followed by the common meal, provided an opportunity for those who loved him to come together, share their grief, and celebrate the life of someone who had made a profound impact on their lives.