March 14, 2016, marks the 173rd birth anniversary of Fr Leo Dehon, the Founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and also 4th anniversary of Canonical Erection of the Philippine Region. In commemoration of the SCJ Founder, the Cagayan de Oro area composed of three communities (Sacred Heart Formation House, Aluba Parish and Dansolihon Chaplaincy), started the celebration with a moment of reflection and an hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The points for reflection on the life of Fr. Dehon and his legacy, were facilitated by Fr. Patrick Gutib, SCJ, Master of the Aspirants.
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, the new members of the Dehonian Youth Missionaries made their act of dedication while the elders renewed their commitment. As usual, the celebration was followed by a simple dinner.
Last February 27, 2016, the representatives of Lay Dehonians’ movement from Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines met in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. One of the topics discussed during that meeting was the implementation of the Spiritual Path (Iter Formativo) in their respective countries. The participants shared their insights and difficulties in translating it into the Asian context, which is different from other continents. The Philippines was represented by Fr. Rechie Gier, SCJ and Atty Grace Escobia.
The news about the death of Fr. P.J. McGuire shocked many of the members of the SCJ Philippine Region. Fr. P.J. a member of the US SCJ Province and expert on the Dehonian Spirituality had visited the Philippines several times, especially in recent years to conduct seminars, retreats and English classes. He loved the Philippines and was loved by the SCJ students for his simplicity, friendship and sense of humor. Very organized and well prepared… always ready to share his knowledge and experience. In fact, he was planning to come to the Philippines in June to teach our students English as a second language… but God had other plans for him…
On February 21, 2016, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, celebrated its “diamond” foundation anniversary. Since the beginning, the parish was served by the Filipino Jesuits. In April 1982, the parish was inherited by the Columban Fathers, and in the end of November 1989 by the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ). In the beginning of the SCJ presence, the parish belonged to the Prelature of Ipil and later on was transferred to the Diocese of Pagadian. Since April 2003, up to now, the parish is being served by the diocesan clergy of Pagadian Diocese.
SCJ Philippines Region 