On May 20, 2025, a day filled with gratitude and joy, the Sacred Heart Spirituality Center in Lower Lucoban, Pagadian, was solemnly blessed by His Excellency, Archbishop Martin Jumoad, D.D., Archbishop of Ozamiz and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Pagadian. The celebration brought together SCJs (Priests of the Sacred Heart) from across the Philippines and Vietnam, clergy from the Diocese of Pagadian, benefactors, friends, and members of the faithful — all united in thanksgiving for the realization of a long-cherished dream.

This Spirituality Center has been a long-time dream of the SCJ community — a place of prayer, formation, and mission, where the Heart of Christ would inspire and shape future missionaries, rooted in the charism of love and reparation.

The journey began on June 19, 2020, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the blessing of the construction site by the late Bishop Ronald I. Lunas, D.D., His support and pastoral encouragement gave the initial impulse to the project, which would become a symbol of hope and dedication in the years to follow.

The initiative was first launched under the leadership of Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, and the project was diligently overseen by Fr. Joseph Muego, SCJ, who coordinated its implementation on the ground. The work was later brought to completion by the current administration under Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ, who led with steadfast commitment despite many challenges.

The construction was temporarily halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to health restrictions, labor disruptions, and financial uncertainties. However, through faith and perseverance, the work resumed — and this was made possible above all by the generous support of several SCJ entities, especially from Germany, the US Province, Poland, and Indonesia. Their solidarity and fraternal assistance were essential in turning this vision into reality, reminding all of the strength of international communion within the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

During the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Jumoad offered heartfelt thanks to the SCJs for the gift of the Spirituality Center, which he called a blessing not only for the Congregation but also for the local Church. Reflecting on the mission of peace, he remarked that “this place is where peace can be built and grow.” He further challenged the SCJs to take up the missionary call of building the Church in Tigbao, an area in need of greater pastoral presence and evangelization.

The presence of SCJs from Vietnam gave the celebration a truly international character, testifying to the global mission of the Congregation and the deep bonds of fraternity that unite its members across cultures and continents.

With its doors now open, the Sacred Heart Formation Center stands as a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of formation, and a witness to the enduring mission of the Church. Built with faith, sustained by sacrifice, and completed in love, may it serve for generations as a place where hearts are formed in the image of Christ’s Heart.