On May 30th, 2024, the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ) in the Philippines welcomed four new novices! Fr. Randy Arca, Ramon T. Pilo Jr., Jeffrey H. Melgazo, and Justine Lee D. Soriano officially began their Novitiate program, marking a significant step toward religious life.

During a 6:00 PM Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Niño Etulle, SCJ, the superior of the SCJ Philippines Region, in the presence of SCJ members from various communities, formally admitted Fr. Randy Arca, Ramon T. Pilo Jr., Jeffrey H. Melgazo, and Justine Lee D. Soriano into the novitiate program. This marks the official beginning of their intensive preparation for taking their first vows as SCJ members.

Over the next thirteen months, the novices will be under the guidance of Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ, the Novice Master. This period will be a transformative journey of deep spiritual and communal learning. They will delve into the fundamental principles of religious life within the SCJ, gaining a profound understanding of the Congregation’s founder, its mission, and the significance of the vows they are preparing to profess.

The SCJ community invites everyone to keep these new novices in their prayers as they embark on this significant chapter, guiding them towards a life devoted to service within the Congregation.