May 31, 2025 — Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On this Feast of the Visitation—when Mary, full of grace and courage, went in haste to serve her cousin Elizabeth—we witnessed another courageous act of faith: Bro. Ramon T. Pilo Jr., a young man from Leyte, professed his First Religious Vows in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ).

By pronouncing the evangelical counsels of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, Br. Ramon embraced a radical way of life. He chose not comfort or convenience, but the challenging path of discipleship—one that demands total self-giving, interior freedom, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. In a world that celebrates self-assertion, his “yes” to God is a quiet but powerful witness of surrender and and trust.

This moment was the fruit of a year of intense formation and discernment under Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ, Novice Master. The profession took place at the Novitiate Fr. Dehon, in Lower Lucoban, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, with Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ, Regional Superior, receiving the vows on behalf of the Congregation and SCJ confreres from Kumalarang and Dumalinao witnessing it.

Religious profession is not an end, but a beginning. Bro. Ramon now moves to the Dehon House in Manila to begin his Theological Studies, deepening his understanding of the faith and preparing more fully for the sacred ministry of priesthood. His journey ahead will require even greater perseverance, humility, and love.

Let us accompany him with our prayers, not only that he may be faithful, but that he may become a bold witness of the Gospel, a man of the Heart of Jesus, and a tireless worker in the vineyard of the Lord.

“If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)