“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…” (Luke 10:2)

On August 4, 2025, the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, patron of parish priests, the formation community of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ) in Cagayan de Oro joyfully celebrated the Acceptance of New Candidates into the congregation. This meaningful event took place during the community concelebrated Mass, presided over by Fr. Ronald M. Basco, SCJ, Master of Aspirants and Superior of the formation house.

This year, the community welcomed:

• Six (6) new candidates to the Pre-College Program,
• One (1) to the Orientation Year, and
• One (1) to the Aspirancy.

These young men, filled with enthusiasm and openness to God’s call, come from different parts of the Philippines: six from Mindanao, one from the Visayas, and one from Luzon. Their presence reflects the diversity and richness of the Filipino Church, and their commitment is a sign of hope for the Church and for the Dehonian mission in the country.

In total, the formation house in Cagayan de Oro now hosts (twenty-two (22 ) candidates journeying toward religious life and priesthood, including three (3) postulants. This growing number is both a blessing and a responsibility—a call to accompany these young men with care, dedication, and authentic witness.

As the Church commemorates St. John Vianney’s humble and faithful priestly service, the acceptance of these new candidates becomes a reminder of the importance of forming future priests and religious with hearts rooted in the love of the Heart of Jesus, inspired by the vision of Fr. Leo John Dehon, our founder.

We give thanks to the Lord of the Harvest for these young men who have generously responded to the invitation: “Come, follow Me.” May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to guide, inspire, and strengthen them as they take their first steps into the life and mission of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

Let us keep them in our prayers as they begin this new chapter of their vocational journey.