If you are looking for a way to express your gratitude and support to the Priests of the Sacred Heart, you might want to mark your calendar for the next Benefactors’ Day. This is an annual event that celebrates the generosity and friendship of the people who help the SCJ mission in various ways.

Benefactors’ Day is usually held on the Sunday after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, which is the feast day of the Congregation founded by Venerable Leo John Dehon in 1878. The Priests of the Sacred Heart are committed to continuing Christ’s work of rebuilding our world into God’s kingdom of justice and love.

This year, Benefactors’ Day was celebrated on June 18, 2023, at the Sacred Heart Formation House Community in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The event started with a Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, who is also in charge of the Benefactors and Fundraising Office. He thanked the benefactors for their spiritual and financial support and invited them to join the SCJ family in praying for more vocations and missionaries.

After the Mass, the benefactors watched a short video presentation about the newest project of the Priests of the Sacred Heart: The Sacred Heart Spirituality Center and Retreat House. This is a place where people can deepen their relationship with God and learn more about the spirituality and charism of the SCJ Congregation. The project is still under construction and needs more funds to be completed.

The celebration ended with a common meal, where the benefactors had a chance to interact with the SCJ priests, brothers and seminarians. They also received some souvenirs and tokens of appreciation from the SCJ community.

Benefactors’ Day is not only a way of saying “Thank you” to those who support the SCJ mission, but also a way of sharing the joy and hope of living in God’s love. If you want to be part of this event next year, you can contact Fr. Francis Pupkowski at scjphilippines@gmail.com or visit https://scjphil.org/ for more information.