The resurrection of our Lord is the source of our hope and joy. It gives us the confidence that death is not the last word, but eternal life. In the resurrection, death is overcome by death! Christ’s victory over sin and death reveals to us that sin can be overcome by love.
Faith in the Risen Lord makes us confident that everything as promised by God would be fulfilled, when there will be peace, love, harmony, freedom – and death and suffering will be no more. However Easter is not simply a proclamation that there is life after death, but most of all an invitation to live the resurrected life. This means allowing the power of the Risen Lord to live in and through us, to live the spirit of Christ by imitating Him in life and in death.
As we celebrate Easter, let us show ourselves to be people of joy and hope, prophets of love and reconciliation. With Christ’s resurrection, the future is certain and has been anticipated in the resurrection of Christ. A Christian never gives up on sinners or in any difficult situation, challenge or trial because he or she knows that Christ, who has overcome all things including death, can do the same for us as well.
Celebrating Christ’s victory over sin and death let us pray that:
- Those who are homeless will be given suitable shelter and accommodation.
- Those who are hungry will be given the food and drink which they need.
- The lives of all people will be respected and valued from beginning to natural death.
- The people of every nationality and creed will live in harmony and peace with respect for each other and for the planet we live on.
As disciples of the Risen Lord, let us also be that light of Christ for those in darkness. Let us bring the joy of the gospel to the world by reflecting the Risen Lord in us, by living joyful lives filled with love and compassion. Let us be a resurrected people and testify to others that Christ is indeed risen in us!
Wishing you a blessed and holy Easter!
On March 19, 2017, on the feast of Saint Joseph, approximately 800 male members of the Holy Name Society, excluding their wives and children, attended the ”1st Grand Fiesta Celebration.” The festivity took place at Saint Isidore Parish, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur. It started with the Celebration of the Eucharist presided by Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ and concelebrated by Fr. Franciszek Pupkowski, SCJ Regional Superior, Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ Regional Secretary, Fr. Donald Longno, SCJ Regional Councillor, Fr. Laurentius Suwanto, SCJ Scholastic Formator, Fr. Robertus Sutopo, SCJ, Balongating Sub-Parish in-charge and Fr. Joseph Muego, SCJ, Tigbao Sub-Parish in-charge. It was followed with a cultural program prepared by the participants.
The celebration is a way of thanksgiving to God for all the graces and blessings received by the group and to encourage them to continue their mission in serving the parish. Today, the organization extended their services and membership to the sub-parish of Balongating and sub-parish of Tigbao.
The celebration of the 174th Birth Anniversary of Fr. Leo John Dehon on March 14, 2017, in Cagayan de Oro Formation House was composed of two main parts: short recollection in the morning and Holy Eucharist in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, members of the Dehonian Family, which also include the Dehonian Youth Missionaries and Lay Dehonians, employees and friends of the Priests of the Sacred Heart joined the concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass, presided by Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ. Before the end of the Mass, members of the Dehonian Youth Missionaries made their renewal of commitment. As usual, the celebration was followed by a common meal.
On February 25, 2017, fifty one (51) couples from the Jesus Nazareno Chaplaincy in Dansolihon got married in the Catholic Church. According to the parish priest Fr. Jan Krzyściak, SCJ, this was the first batch of three hundred twenty (320) couples being prepared for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Due to the different circumstances like lack of money or papers many of the couples were living in this irregular situation for several years. With the help of the local SCJ community (Fr. Jan Krzyściak, Fr. Szymon Bendowski and Br. Yohanes Sismadi) and some lay leaders, they were able to correct this irregularity. The SCJs helped them to gather all the needed documents and organized special catechesis. Each couple had to attend five preparatory meetings. All the administrative expenses were handled by the chaplaincy.
On February 28, 2015, the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Aluba, Cagayan de Oro City, started officially the construction of a new parish church. After two years of work, the new church is almost completed and looks impressive. To commemorate this anniversary, on February 26, 2017, the parish held its special “Thanksgiving Mass.” The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Florencio Salvador, SSJV, a former pastor of this parish, who was assisted by Fr. Pedro Sumbilon, also a former parish priest, Fr. Klaudiusz Rokicki, MIC and three SCJs from the neighbor community of the Sacred Heart Formation House.
SCJ Philippines Region 