With hearts full of gratitude and joy, the Dehonian family in the Philippines and beyond rejoices as three of our brothers were officially accepted into the novitiate. On May 13, 2025, a simple yet deeply meaningful celebration was held at the Fr. Dehon Novitiate House in Locuban, Zamboanga del Sur, marking the beginning of a new journey of formation for:

• Orlando Da Cruz, from the Diocese of Maliana, East Timor
• Allen P. Fornis, from the Diocese of Maasin
• Peddy R. Serencio, from the Diocese of Ipil

Presiding over the rite of acceptance was Rev. Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ, Regional Superior of the Dehonians in the Philippines. With fatherly affection and spiritual insight, he officially welcomed the three postulants into the novitiate, encouraging them to embrace this sacred stage of formation with courage, openness, and trust in the Lord.

In his homily, Fr. Niño reminded the new novices of the importance of allowing the novitiate to shape their hearts in the Dehonian spirit:

“May the Novitiate Formation help you to love and embrace the Dehonian Way of life and be a Fr. Dehon in this present time. You will experience desolation along the formation but may you continue to strengthen your prayer life and develop a deeper community life, to be a support to your brother in the community.”

The novitiate marks a significant milestone in the journey of becoming a religious. It is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and discernment, where the novice is invited to grow in intimacy with the Heart of Jesus, to deepen his understanding of religious life, and to embody the charism of Fr. Leo John Dehon—a life lived in love, reparation, and service.

The novitiate of Orlando, Allen, and Peddy will be guided by Rev. Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ, the Novice Master, whose role is to accompany them with care, wisdom, and fidelity to the Dehonian tradition.

The presence of fellow religious, formators, and friends during the celebration was a testament to the supportive and prayerful community that surrounds these young men as they take this courageous step forward. It was a moment filled with hope—a sign that God’s call continues to echo in the hearts of the young.

Let us continue to accompany our new novices with our prayers and fraternal support. May this year of novitiate be for them a time of spiritual growth, of falling ever more in love with Christ, and of being conformed more closely to the Dehonian way of life.

Welcome, dear brothers, to the novitiate! May the Sacred Heart of Jesus guide and strengthen you on this sacred journey. May you walk always with joy, humility, and a heart ready to serve.