With gratitude to the Lord and joyful hearts, the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) in the Philippines welcomed two new postulants during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist held on July 13, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Rechie C. Gier, SCJ, who, in the name of the Regional Superior, Fr. Niño Etulle, SCJ, officially accepted Romel Perez from Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur, and Marklen Balane from Hilongos, Leyte into the Postulancy Program of the Philippine Region.

The candidates were formally presented by Fr. Patrick L. Gutib, SCJ, who affirmed their readiness to begin this important stage of formation. Their acceptance into the postulancy marks a significant milestone in their vocational journey as they continue to discern God’s call to religious life and priesthood in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

In his homily, Fr. Rechie reflected on the meaning of vocation as a response to God’s loving invitation. He reminded the new postulants that the road ahead will bring both challenges and blessings, requiring perseverance, humility, discipline, and a generous heart. He encouraged them to embrace the formation process with openness, allowing Christ to shape them according to His Heart.

Fr. Rechie also spoke about what it means to be a Dehonian. A Dehonian is called to live the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rooted in love, compassion, reparation, and availability for God’s mission. Inspired by the charism of Venerable Fr. Leo John Dehon, Dehonians strive to become prophets of love and servants of reconciliation, responding generously to the needs of both the Church and society. He reminded the postulants that becoming a Dehonian is not simply about joining a religious congregation but about allowing one’s life to be transformed by the Heart of Christ and becoming a witness of His love in the world.

As a visible sign of their entrance into the postulancy, Romel and Marklen received a Bible and the Dehonian Cross. The Bible symbolizes their commitment to listen daily to the Word of God, allowing it to guide and nourish their vocation. The Dehonian Cross, on the other hand, is a cherished symbol of their belonging to the Dehonian Family and of their commitment to follow Christ in the spirit of Fr. Dehon.

The acceptance ceremony was a moment of thanksgiving not only for the new postulants but also for their families, formators, benefactors, and all those who have accompanied them in their vocational journey. The Dehonian community continues to pray that the Lord, who has begun this good work in them, will bring it to completion.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless Romel and Marklen as they begin this new chapter of formation, granting them the grace to grow in faith, wisdom, fraternity, and generous service. May their lives become a joyful witness to God’s enduring love and an inspiration to other young people who are discerning His call.