On November 20, 2017, seven (7) SCJ scholastics were installed to the ministry of Lector. Three (3) of them belong to the SCJ Philippines Region and four (4) to the District of Vietnam.
The new lectors were installed during the Holy Eucharist by the Regional Superior Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, which was attended by SCJs from the Philippines Region and District of Vietnam. The ceremony took place between the meeting of formators of both entities and regular meeting of the Philippine Region.
From October 23 – 27, 2017, all Novice and Postulant Masters of the Priests of the Sacred Heart around the world have assembled in Rome to evaluate and discuss the matters of formation. The Philippine Region is represented by Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ, the Novice Master and Fr. Patrick L. Gutib, SCJ, in charge of Postulants. Among the participants is also Fr. Andrzej Sudoł, SCJ, a former master of postulants in the Philippines and now representing formators from the US Province.
On October 15, 2017, the Christian Community of Tigbao Sub-Parish celebrated its 23rd patronal feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The main celebrant and homilist was Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, the parish priest of St. Isidore, the Farmer Parish in Dumalinao, where the sub-parish belongs to. He was accompanied by Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ and Fr. Joseph Butlig, SCJ from Cagayan de Oro and Fr. Joseph Muego, SCJ, the present administrator of the sub-parish.
On September 24, 2017, the parish community of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Quezon City, Diocese of Novaliches, celebrated two important events: 30th Foundation Anniversary and Feast of the Patron – San Lorenzo Ruiz, martyr and first Filipino saint. The parish was officially established on August 15, 1987. Since 2016, the parish is being served by the SCJ community.
From September 18 to 22, 2017, 29 members of the SCJ Philippines Region participated in the retreat conducted by the Director of the Centro Studi Dehoniani (CSD) in Rome, Fr. Stefan Tertünte, SCJ.
The retreat was held at the Don Bosco Batulao Retreat House, also known as Mary Help of Christians Center of Spirituality in Nasugbu, Batangas, about 20 km from Tagaytay City, the capital of retreat centers in the Philippines.
The participants, besides the spiritual nourishment, were able to enjoy the cool weather and hospitality of the staff of the retreat center.
Fr. Marty M. Macasaet, SDB, the Rector, in his welcome message said: Don Bosco’s original mission actually was a “business,” as it were. Certainly not just to run or operate a retreat house — although also that has nowadays become a veritable industry as well, not so much different from running a hotel or a restaurant (complete with competition!). It’s really no other than “soul-biz.” This is the noble, God-appointed ministry of the salvation of the souls — those of the young, primarily. For sure the retreat ministry goes a long way in this important endeavor. And so in this wonderful venture of ours, we all strive to collaborate and cooperate — with God, first and foremost, and with one another. We look forward to a fruitful and fertile undertaking. As Don Bosco’s great motto captures it, “Give me souls, take away the rest.” And of course we also have the motto of Don Bosco Batulao, “Do whatever He tells you.” That’s Mary, of course, instructing us her children, to be obedient and docile to the urgings of her Son Jesus Christ. May these sayings serve as our guide and inspiration in all that we do”.
SCJ Philippines Region 