Author Archives: scjphil

Jun 28 2018

First and Perpetual Profession of Vows

Today, on June 28, 2018, five (5) SCJ Novices from the Philippines, Rene D. Adorable, Francis S.J. Atayza, July P. Zambrano, Giovanni B. Bautista, and Rackie M. Roxas, made their commitment to God in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. By the profession of three vows: Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, they declared their readiness to follow Jesus more closely. They were preparing for this moment for almost fourteen (14) months under the guidance of the Novice Master Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ and Fr. Yohanes Sono Pribadi, SCJ, the “Socius.” Together, with five (5) Vietnamese Novices, who made their First Profession of vows in Vietnam last May 31, 2018, they have had been learning about the Congregation, the Founder, vows and religious life.

During the same celebration, two SCJ brothers on temporary vows: Fra. Ruel Paalisbo, SCJ and Fra. Joel Bolo, SCJ, made their final profession of vows.

Both Professions of Vows, First and Perpetual, were accepted by the Regional Superior Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ.

The ceremony that was held on the 140 anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, took place at the St. Isidore Parish Church in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, and was attended by the SCJ confreres from different parts of the Philippines, family members and friends of the newly professed religious.

The newly professed will move to the Manila Community at the Dehon House, where they will study Theology and prepare themselves further for the ordination to the priesthood.

As we thank God for this beautiful moment, we entrust the new SCJs to our prayers. May they grow in their vocation and become effective instruments of God’s Love to the world.

Jun 10 2018

Benefactors’ Day 2018 in Cagayan de Oro

It is already a tradition that on the Sunday, after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the formation community of Cagayan de Oro celebrates Benefactors’ Day. It is the way to let the benefactors know more about the congregation and its activities and also an opportunity to thank them for their support and generosity.

This year, the celebration of Benefactors’ Day was held on June 10, 2018. As usual, it started with the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Francis Pupkowski, scj, who is in charge of the Benefactors and Fundraising Office. At the end of the Mass, the benefactors could watch a 20-minute video presentation entitled “With Open Heart and Mind”, containing information about the Congregation and activities of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in the Philippines.

It was noticed that every year there are more and more benefactors joining this celebration.

The celebration was culminated with a common meal.

Jun 9 2018

Celebrations in Manila and Cagayan de Oro

The Feast of the Sacred Heart, the patronal feast of the Priests of the Sacred Heart on June 8, 2018, was celebrated in all formation houses in the Philippines. Many friends of the Congregation, associates, and benefactors, had joined the celebration, especially in Metro Manila and Cagayan de Oro.

In Manila, during the Eucharist. presided by the Regional Superior Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, six scholastics: four Filipino and two Vietnamese, had renewed their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. Also, all the SCJs attending this celebration renewed their commitment as religious.

A good number of benefactors from Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Makati City were able to attend this event and to meet personally Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ and Sr. Yolly C. Novabos, TMM, from the fundraising office in Cagayan de Oro City. The oldest participant of the celebration was 97 years old.

The benefactors and guests were given a chance to know more about the congregation and its works through the video presentation, entitled “With open heart and Mind”, that was played just after the Mass.

In Cagayan de Oro City, the Holy Eucharist was presided by Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ, a member of the community. As usual, besides friends of the Congregation, the celebration was attended by members of the Dehonian Family: Dehonian Youth and Lay Dehonians. After the Holy Communion, five new members of the Dehonian Youth made their commitment and the old members renewed their commitment as well. The commitments were accepted by Fr. Janusz Burzawa, SCJ, the councilor of the Philippine Region, who ealier accepted six new Postulants: five Vietnamese and one Filipino.

In both events, the celebrations were very nice and attended by many people, and SCJs from the area, who were not only able to enjoy the celebration, but also the delicious food served afterwards.

Jun 8 2018

Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart

I have loved you from all eternity and will love you eternally if, on your side, you never cease to love me. I will never forget you. Deeply, carefully and lovingly have I written you in the wounds of my feet and hands. I have gone further. As though I were not satisfied with this, I have had my side pierced by a soldier’s spear to open wide for you the entrance to my Heart and to show you how great was the love which led me to die for you. (Henry Arnoldi +1487)

Jun 7 2018

Episcopal Ordination in Cagayan de Oro

On June 7, 2018, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro celebrated the Episcopal Ordination of Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV. Fr. Raul is the third priest from the archdiocese, who became bishop. The other two are Bp. Jose A. Cabantan, DD, the Bishop of Malaybalay and Bp. Vilsom Basso, SCJ, who was assigned in the archdiocese when he was called to become a bishop in Brazil.

The new bishop, was on September 29, 2014, giving a spiritual input to the SCJs, who were starting their 1st Regional Assembly in Cagayan de Oro City. In his talk, Fr. Raul emphasized the mercy of God and the importance of being priests and religious after the Heart of Christ.

The main consecrators of Fr. Raul as bishop were: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, DD,  from the Archdiocese of Manila, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, DD, archbishop of Cagayan de Oro and Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar, DD, JCD,  bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Tandag, Surigao del Sur, who is being replaced by the new bishop Raul.

The celebration was attended by 30 Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, hundreds of priests from different archdioceses and dioceses and many people. The celebration that lasted three hours was beautifully prepared. The new bishop and people of Cagayan de Oro and their guests enjoyed also a meal together and the very nice weather.