The Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City hosted the 3rd Regional Assembly Chapter of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJs) from January 29 to February 2, 2024. The assembly gathered 31 SCJs on final vows, priests, and brothers, representing the different communities and apostolates of the Region.

The theme of the assembly was “Journeying Together to Live Out Our Dehonian Mission in the Renewed Spirit of Ecce Venio and Sint Unum.” Ecce Venio means “Behold, I come” and Sint Unum means “That they may be one.” These are the mottos of the SCJ Congregation, founded by Venerable Fr. Leo John Dehon in France in 1878. The SCJs are inspired by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and seek to promote justice, peace, and reconciliation in the world.

The assembly began on Monday, January 29, 2024, in the afternoon, with a talk on synodality by Fr. Raul A. Ricacho, SSJV, from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The second day began with an opening prayer led by Fr. Niño Etulle,SCJ, the chairman of the preparatory committee. This was followed by the approval of extraordinary participants and the assignment of various tasks. The State of the Region Address (SORA) was delivered by Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, the Regional Superior, outlining the region’s main accomplishments and challenges since the previous assembly in 2018. It is worth noting that a momentous transition is on the horizon. On March 14, 2024, there will be a shift in leadership: Fr. Lukas Sasmito will conclude his two-term office, and Fr. Niño Etulle will assume the role as the first Filipino Regional Superior, marking a historic milestone for the community.

Fr. Rechie Gier, SCJ, a member of the preparatory committee, elucidated the workshop procedures for the afternoon session. Participants were then divided into six groups to discuss and propose motions for the next six years, drawing on the SORA, the motions from the previous assembly, and the reports of the different commissions. A similar pattern was applied to the following day’s discussions.

On February 1st, the assembly voted on the proposed motions and elected a delegate and substitute to represent the Region at the XXV General Chapter in Rome, scheduled for June 2024.

The 3rd Regional Assembly Chapter proved to be a productive and fraternal gathering that fortified the bonds within the SCJ family and reinvigorated their commitment to their Dehonian mission. The assembly culminated with a Eucharistic celebration on February 2, 2024, presided over by Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ.

The event was graced by the presence of Fr. Vincentius Sri Hermanto, SCJ, the General Councilor in Rome and a former member of the Philippine Mission. The participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Sacred Heart Formation House community for their warm hospitality and exceptional service throughout the assembly.

The students from the Sacred Formation house, inspired by their counterparts in Indonesia, poured their creativity into designing the logo for the assembly T-shirts and even prepared a captivating video clip titled “SCJ, OK,” which infused the event with youthful energy and enthusiasm. Their contributions served as a heartwarming reminder of the future generation’s commitment to carrying forward the Dehonian legacy.