“See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
As we welcome the dawn of 2026, we bow before the Lord in gratitude for the year that has passed—its joys and struggles, its blessings and challenges. Every new year is a gift of grace, a renewed invitation from God to begin again with faith, hope, and love.
On November 22, 2025, Dehon House in Quezon City marked its annual Benefactors’ Day, a cherished occasion dedicated to thanking the many individuals who support the mission of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ). The gathering was filled with prayer, gratitude, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.The celebration began with a concelebrated Mass at 5:00 PM, presided by Fr. Patrick Gutib, SCJ. He replaced Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, who for personal reasons could not be present this year. His absence was warmly acknowledged, and the community remembered him in prayer.
On this final Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to contemplate a most paradoxical image of kingship. The Gospel from Luke 23:35–43 presents not a majestic ruler seated upon a golden throne, but Jesus hanging on the Cross, crowned with thorns, mocked by soldiers, and ridiculed by those who fail to see His true glory. Yet it is precisely there—on the Cross—that His kingship is revealed in its deepest meaning: a kingship of love, forgiveness, and mercy.
Today we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome—the Pope. Often called the “Mother and Head of all Churches”, it symbolizes the unity of the whole Church. This feast reminds us that the Church is not merely a building of stone, but a living community built upon Christ Himself.
On this day, the Church pauses in deep prayer and remembrance for all the faithful departed, those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. It is a day of hope, of tender memory, and of trust in God’s mercy. The Gospel proclaimed today brings us words of comfort and promise from Jesus Himself:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me… and I shall raise him on the last day.” (John 6:37, 40)
SCJ Philippines Region 