Category Philippines

May 31 2020

First Profession of Vows in the Novitiate Fr. Dehon in Lower Lucoban

Today, on May 31, 2020, the Solemnity of the Pentecost and the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one (1) SCJ Novice from the Philippines, Kevin Barranco, together with seven (7)  SCJ Novices from Vietnam 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 and will to follow Jesus more closely. They were preparing for this moment for a little bit more than one year under the guidance of Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ, the Novice Master, Fr. Yohanes Sono Pribadi, SCJ, the “Socius”, and Fr. Ronald M. Basco, SCJ. Continue reading →

May 31 2020

21 Years of Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc.

On May 30, 2020, the Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc. (KDFI), the flagship social project of the Priests of the Sacred Heart – Philippine Region in Cagayan de Oro City, celebrated its 21st Founding Anniversary. The celebration started with the  Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ, the program coordinator, and was followed by a short program prepared by the girls, and common supper. Continue reading →

May 17 2020

31 years of SCJ presence in the Philippines

May 17, 1989, is the official date of arrival of first SCJ missionaries in the Philippines. The original group was composed of eight (8) priests representing seven (7) nationalities and five (5) different entities: 3 from Argentina, 2 from Indonesia, 1 from Germany, 1 from Poland and 1 from British-Irish Province.

The settings of the first assignments were very simple and often challenging. The Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) were offered three parishes in Zamboanga del Sur: Dimataling in the Diocese of Pagadian and Margosatubig and Kumalarang in the Prelature of Ipil. For a long time, they had no TV set, refrigerator or telephone. The roads were rough, dusty and very often impassable during the rainy season.

One of the most difficult moments they had experienced happened in October 2001 when Fr. Giuseppe “Beppe” Pierantoni, SCJ, an Italian missionary, was kidnapped. Fr. Beppe was held in captivity for six months. Nevertheless, it was also a time of grace because that harrowing event strengthened their unity and solidarity. Continue reading →