The fourth week of preparation for final vows was dedicated to a spiritual retreat guided by Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ. The retreat was held from June 26 to 30, 2023 at San Lorenzo Ruiz Fil-Chinese Catholic Community Retreat Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Fr. Niño shared his insights and experiences on the SCJ spirituality and charism. The Brothers had the opportunity to pray, reflect, and share with one another.

One of the highlights of the retreat was the celebration of the 145th anniversary of the foundation of the SCJ Congregation on June 28, 2023. The SCJ Congregation, also known as the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a religious order founded by Fr. Leo John Dehon in France in 1878. The Congregation is dedicated to living and spreading the love of the Heart of Christ in the world through various apostolic works.

On this special day, the five Filipino Brothers (Br. Rackie M. Roxas, SCJ, Br. Giovanni B. Bautista, SCJ, Br. Francis SJ Atayza, SCJ,  Br. Carl Ryan N. Opeña and Bro July Zambrano) renewed for the fifth time their vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience according to the Constitution of SCJ Congregation.

The renewal of vows was made within the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, accepted by Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ, the 3rd Councilor of our Region,  witnessed by Fr. Patrick L. Gutib, SCJ, the Regional Treasurer of the Philippines  and some Filipino Chinese Catholics who attended the celebration of the said Feast.

The retreat was a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal for the Brothers. They had the opportunity to grow in their understanding of the SCJ spirituality and charism, and to reaffirm their commitment to live and spread the love of the Heart of Christ in the world.

Moreover, the renewal of vows was a significant moment for the Brothers, as it marked their continued commitment to the SCJ Congregation. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve God and the Church in this way, and they are excited to continue their journey of faith.