Category Church

May 30 2017

Certificate of Recognition for Dansolihon

On May 27, 2017, Fr. Jan Krzysciak. SCJ, the pastor in charge of Jesus Nazareno Chaplaincy in Dansolihon, received a “Certififate of Recognition” from the the “Responsible Parenthood and All-Natural Family Planning” of the  Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The Chaplaincy in Dansolihon was ranked as the second of the eleven outstanding parishes for the unwavering support and continued assistance to the RP-NFP Coordinators, Counselors, Acceptors and the Program. The certificate is signed by the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, Most. Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D.

Congratulations to Fr. Jan and to the Chaplaincy in Dansolihon!

May 15 2017

60th Parish Anniversary and Patronal Feast in Dumalinao

The celebration of the 60th Parish Anniversary and Feast of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Dumalinao, started in the evening of May 14, 2017 and it was held at the Dumalinao Regional Pilot School. More than 600 people coming from 44 chapels took part in the GSK Coronation Night and “Talendadong Parokyano.” The activity was organized in cooperation with Hon. Junaflor S. Cerilles, RMT, the municipal mayor of Dumalinao, Rev. Fr. Lukas Hadi Sismo Sasmito, SCJ, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Muego, SCJ and Rev. Fr. Robertus Sutopo, SCJ, assistant parish priests and some SCJ guest priests and seminarians with the Theme: “Year of the Parish – Communion of Communities.”  Although the celebration was interrupted by the “black out”, it did not prevent the people to enjoy the show which lasted for four hours.

The main celebration was held on May 15, 2017. The Bishop of Pagadian Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel “Manny” Cabajar, C.Ss.R, D.D., was the presider of the concelebrated Holy Eucharist, together with the parish priest, two assistant parish priests, Rev. Fr. Franciszek Pupkowski, SCJ, the regional superior of the SCJ Philippine Region, 14 SCJ priests and 4 diocesan priests.  The Holy Mass was attended by more than 1,500 faithful coming from Balongating and Tigbao Sub-Parishes, and 44 Chapels of the San Isidro Labrador Parish.

The celebration was concluded with the procession carrying the statue of the patron around the town, followed by a lunch together and short program.

By. Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ

May 8 2017

Feast of the Holy Cross in Tandang Kutyo

 

The Holy Cross Parish (Parokya ng Banal na Krus) in Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal (Diocese of Antipolo) was officialy erected on June 26, 2016, and was entrusted to the Priests of the Sacred Heart. As of now, the parish is run by three SCJs: Fr. Marcial Aguirre, SCJ, Fr. Sergio Matumoto, SCJ and Fra. Justreel Tuburan, SCJ. The parish has a long history of the devotion to the Holy Cross, the symbol of our salvation. Every second Monday of May many people would gather there to celebrate the titular feast of the chapel, not exluding the National Election held on this day. The particular date has a special meaning for the local people as it commemorates the date of finding again the cross after it disappeared from the chapel in mysterious circumstances.

This year, on May 8, 2017, the celebration of the Parish Feast was graced with the presence of the Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Most Rev. Francisco M. De Leon, DD, who presided the concelebrated Holy Eucharist. The celebration was attended by the SCJs from the Manila area and some diocesan priests.

Apr 15 2017

O Risen Lord!

O Risen Lord,
the way, the truth and the life,
make us faithful followers
of the spirit of your resurrection.
Grant that we may be inwardly
renewed; dying to ourselves
in order that you may live in us.
May our lives serve as signs
of the transforming power of your love.
Use us as your instruments
for the renewal of society,
bring your life and love to all
and leading them to your Church.
This we ask of you, Lord Jesus,
living and reigning with the Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God forever. Amen

Jan 8 2017

Priestly Ordination of two Vietnamese SCJs in Manila

20170108_121304On January 8, 2017, on the Feast of Epiphany, which in the Philippines is celebrated on Sunday after January 6, two SCJs from Vietnam: Dn Dang Van Nguyen and Dn Luong Van Nguyen were ordained priests. The ceremony of ordination, as in most cases, took place in the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Tierra Verde Homes I Subdivision in Quezon City, a walking distance from the Dehon House, which at the present is under the pastoral care of three SCJ priests.

The ceremony of ordination headed by the Bishop of Novaliches, Most Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, DD, was held during the main Sunday Mass at 10:00 am, and it was attended by many SCJ confreres from Vietnam and the Philippines, priests and religious from different congregations, family members and friends.

Fr. Dang  is 33 years old and comes from the Diocese of Thai Binh, while Fr. Luong is 37 years old and comes from the Diocese of Bui Chu. Both of them arrived in the Philippines on September 30, 2007, where they underwent the process of initial formation and completed their studies. Prior to this, both of them were active in the Church; Fr. Dang was the organist for the children’s choir and Fr. Luong was the leader of altar servers. Fr. Luong wanted to become a diocesan priest, but due to some circumstances he was not able to fulfill his plans. Instead of entering the seminary he went to Saigon to continue his studies. In Saigon he met Fr. Jerry Sheehy, SCJ, who invited him to join the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fr. Dang’s vocation to the priesthood was born when he was still in the grade 6. As he relates “I felt that I am a sinful person and I should become a priest to repair it.” In Saigon where he studied and taught catechesis in a Dominican Parish, he met also Fr. Jerry, who deeply impressed him and helped him to enter the seminary.

Wishing to the newly ordained priests all the best, especially perseverance in their vocation and serving the people, we offer a prayer for them as we expect them to pray for us too.

Dec 24 2016

Christmas Greetings

nativityq2Celebrating the great mystery of our salvation, of God who out of His love became one of us. May the Light of the World shine in our lives and be reflected in our daily choices, decisions and actions.

Let us allow Jesus to be reborn in our hearts and lives, not only during Christmas, but every day, so that he may radiate the light of his presence from within us expressed in compassionate words and deeds, unconditional forgiveness, the spirit of humble service and overflowing generosity.

As a newborn Baby is a gift to the humanity, let’s be a gift to all our brothers and sisters, especially those who need it most: the poor, the sick, the oppressed…. those who are alone. For “You will find life by giving life, hope by giving hope, love by giving love” (Pope Francis).

Christ is Emmanuel, God with us. As we celebrate the feast of God-with-us, let us be a people who are with God.

We wish all a Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year 2017!

Nov 10 2016

Sending Off Ceremony in Cagayan de Oro

20161108_184319On November 11, 2016, Fr. Patro Gier, SCJ, will leave for his new assignment in Finland.  The main purpose of his joining the SCJ Finnish District will be  taking pastoral care of the numerous Filipino people living in Finland. He will follow in the footsteps of Fr. Jigger Ganados, SCJ, the first SCJ Filipino missionary to Finland who went there in December 2014.

The ceremony of sending off was held in Cagayan de Oro Formation House on November 8, 2016, during the Holy Eucharist, right after the SCJ meeting. The concelebrated Mass was presided by Fr. Patro. After the Holy Communion the Regional Superior, Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, gave him a special blessing and handed over the Missionary Cross, a symbol of being sent to proclaim the Good News.

Oct 24 2016

Feast of the Patron and Establishment of St. John Paul II Chaplaincy in Talisay

20161022_112453June 11, 2016 marks the official start of SCJ presence in the Diocese of Maasin. The local bishop, Most Rev. Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD, entrusted to the Congregation a part of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Hilongos, particularly St. Pope John Paul II Southern Mission Territory with its main chapel in barangay Talisay. The idea behind this agreement is twofold: on the side of the Diocese, it is to answer the spiritual needs of the faithful and develop this area into a future parish and on the side of the Congregation is to expand the SCJ presence into the Visayas Region.

 

On October 22, 2016, on the liturgical memorial of St. John Paul II, the Southern Mission Territory was elevated to the rank of Chaplaincy. The Bishop of Maasin in his “Decree of Establishment” declared the following: “Since the Faithful in the southern part of the Immaculate Conception Parish needs the constant presence of the Minister of the Catholic faith in response to the mission of the Church to foster the growth of the catholic faith, and to care for the spiritual desires of the Catholic Communities in the said area; and after having duly consulted the Diocesan Board of Consultors, with the full knowledge of the Presbyterium, I, Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD, Bishop of Maasin, hereby solemnly decree the canonical establishment of the Chaplaincy of St. John Paul II, with all the rights and privileges accrued to such an entity in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, and our Diocesan Statutes and Decrees.

The Jurisdiction of this Chaplaincy will be composed of the following barangays: Talisay, Kanghaas, Tabunok, Tuguipa, Hitudpan, Lunang, San Agustin, Bun-ot, Catandog I, Catandog II, Bantigue of the Municipality of Hilongos, Leyte… 

…Moreover, I designate Fathers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ) to look after this new chaplaincy. I also designate the chapel of Talisay to be the official chapel of the Chaplaincy…”

The “Decree of Establishment” was read during the Holy Mass by the Chancellor of the Diocese Fr. Alexes Villarubin, JCL. The concelebrated Mass was presided by Msgr. Oscar A. Cadayona, the Vicar General from Maasin, while the homily on “Life and Legacy of St. John Paul II” was delivered by Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, the SCJ Philippine Regional Superior. Among the concelebrants were Msgr. Antonio M. Gaviola, PC, the Pastor – Moderator of Hilongos Parish, Fr. Conrado C. Saavedra, Jr.,, Fr. Joseph Butlig, SCJ, Fr. Elpidio Luza Jr., SCJ, Fr. Arthur Guevara, SCJ and Fr. Christopher Alburo, SCJ.