On October 2, 2026, the First Friday of the month, the community of the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City gathered for the monthly Mass offered for the intentions of the benefactors of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) in the Philippines.

Just before the Mass, a special prayer was offered for the benefactors, giving thanks for their continued prayers, generosity, and support for the formation of seminarians and the mission of the Congregation. This was followed by the unveiling of the portrait of Blessed Fr. Martino Capelli, SCJ, who was beatified on September 27, 2026, in Bologna, Italy.

The Mass was presided over by Fr. Rechie C. Gier, SCJ. Since it was the Memorial of the Guardian Angels, his homily reflected on the angels who guard, guide, and intercede for God’s people. He connected their readiness to serve God with the Dehonian spirit of Ecce Venio—“Behold, I come to do your will.”

Recalling the angel who strengthened Jesus in Gethsemane, Fr. Rechie also highlighted the Dehonian call to console the Heart of Christ through prayer, self-offering, and service. He encouraged everyone to become “angels” for one another—a presence that protects, a word that guides, and a hand that lifts—and to bring reconciliation and unity, Sint Unum, wherever there is division.

During supper after the Mass, one of the seminarians shared his vocation story. His testimony gave the benefactors a personal insight into the journey of a young man responding to God’s call to priesthood and religious life.

The First Friday celebration was a joyful expression of prayer, gratitude, and communion between the SCJ community and its benefactors. Through their prayers, generosity, and friendship, the benefactors share in the mission of forming future priests and missionaries.

May the Heart of Jesus bless all our benefactors and their families and bless their continued generosity and support of the SCJ mission.