Category SCJ Philippine Region

Aug 25 2009

Final Vows & Ordination to the Diaconate

Ordination to DiaconateLast August 21, 2009, the four SCJ religious brothers were ordained as Deacon in San Isidro Labrador Parish in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur (Earlier, on July 20 they made their Final Profession of Vows in Cagayan de Oro). The Mass was presided by the Bishop of Diocese of Pagadian, His Excellency Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, C.Ss.R, DD. The newly ordained Deacons are Bro. Marcial C. Aguirre of Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, Bro. Jigger C. Ganados of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Bro. Rechie C. Gier of Lianga, Surigao del Sur and Bro. Donald S. Longno of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur.

The preparation for the Eucharistic celebration and the agape were undertaken by the Parish of Dumalinao headed by the Parish Priest, Fr. Janusz Burzawa, SCJ and the members of the SCJ Dumalinao Community.
The liturgical celebration was very solemn. The theme for the Mass was “Doing the will of Him who send me and bring His work t completion is my food” (Jn. 4:34). In his homily, Bishop Cabajar reminded the faithful to pray for all priests and religious specially that this year the Catholic Church observes the Year for Priests. And, for the newly ordained deacons, the Bishop encouraged them to promote and support the Basic Ecclesial Community advocacy of the local Church. He likewise discussed in his homily about the challenges of the Church in the modern times and pointed out that as Christians, specifically, as ordained minister, they should remain steadfast in their vocation and commitment to serve the people and preach the Gospel. And, that he reminded them that despite the difficulties and challenges God’s presence will sustain them as Jesus said, “I will be with you always.” (cf. Mt. 28:26)

This Mass was attended by the local parishioners and many visitors from many places including the families and friends of the newly ordained deacons, benefactors, and the SCJ Philippine District members as well as a good number of diocesan fathers.

May 21 2009

Fr. Tong on YouTube

Fr. Arthur Guevara, SCJ, called by his friends Fr. Tong, is a self-made musician. Recently, together with the Frontline Creations band, Fr. Tong recorded a CD with his songs, which was officially launched during a special concert on May 9, 2009 in Kumalarang. “Pagdayeg, Himaya!”, placed recently on YouTube, is one of the Cebuano songs from that CD composed by Fr. Tong and it means “Praise, Glory!”. To watch it click here.

May 17 2009

20 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 8 priests coming from 5 different provinces: Argentinean, Indonesian, Polish, German and British-Irish. After six-month course of language and culture in Davao City, the members of the first group were assigned in 3 parishes: in Kumalarang and Margosatubig in the Prelature of Ipil and in Dimataling in Diocese of Pagadian.

Soon, the mission was joined by other members coming in different batches; total 14 priests and 2 brothers. At the same time 7 members returned to their mother provinces. Fr. Hans Sondermeijer of the first group died in Indonesia.

At the moment in the Philippines there are only 2 members left of the original group: Fr. Rino Venturin and Fr. Francis Pupkowski.

Today, we are 51 religious living and working in 5 communities. 25 are Filipino, 9 Vietnamese, 7 Indonesians, 4 Polish, 3 Brazilian, 1 Argentinean, 1 Italian and 1 British.

May 3 2009

Start of the New Administration of the District

On May 1, 2009 the Philippine District celebrated the start of its new administration. The celebration was held in the Novitiate Fr. Dehon in Lucoban, Dumalinao and was attended by members of the old and new administration, communities of Kumalarang and Dumalinao, Novitiate community, District Superior of India Fr. Kusmaryadi, and SCJ scholastics from Manila and India attending the preparation program for final vows.

After the Gospel, Fr. Francis Pupkowski, the outgoing District Secretary and Treasurer, read the letter of the General Superior addressed to the new superior Fr. Jose Benedito de Moraes Machado and his council, which was followed by the “Profession of Faith.”

In his homily, Fr. Bene thanked the members of the old administration for their service and dedication and shared his insights regarding his new responsibilities as a superior.

The celebration was held in very fraternal atmosphere.

New Administration:
Fr. Jose Benedito de Moraes Machado – superior
Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito – 1st councillor
Fr. Andrzej Sudol – 2nd councillor
Fr. Vincentius Sri Herimanto – 3rd councillor

Fr. Arthur Guevara – district treasurer & secretary

Mar 27 2009

Graduation of SCJ Students at Maryhill School of Theology

On March 20th, 2009 four SCJ students : Marcial Aguirre, Rechie Gier, Jigger Ganados, and Donald Longno graduated from the Maryhill School of Theology. As one of them, Rechie Gier, writes “It started with a Eucharistic celebration at 4pm. Our main celebrant was the bishop of Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco. The Eucharistic celebration and graduation were held at CICM Provincial House at New Manila, Quezon City. Our graduation was attended and witnessed by our friends, relatives and confreres.

The name of our batch is Saklay. Saklay is the Tagalog term for cratches. We were all 31 in our batch. The theme of our graduation was quoted from (NRSV) Phil. 4:9 i.e. “keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Congratulations to all of them!