Mar 25 2020

Answering the needs of time

The whole world is reeling from the threat of the coronavirus, which is spreading very fast in the different parts of the world and is claiming many victims. COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption as different sports and cultural events, conferences, and churches have closed their doors and medical professionals race to treat those infected and to develop a vaccine. This can be a time of great despair and uncertainty, but also a time of hope, action and most of all prayer. The Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJs) from different communities in the Philippines have actively embraced this enormous challenge and try to answer the needs of time by being with the people, taking care of their spiritual needs and alleviating some of their immediate and most pressing necessities. Continue reading →

Mar 17 2020

Pope’s prayer to Mary during coronavirus pandemic

Here is a translation of the prayer Pope Francis recited by video March 11 for a special Mass and act of prayer asking Mary to protect Italy and the world during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Mar 14 2020

Celebrating the 177th Birth Anniversary of the Founder in Cagayan de Oro

Mach 14, 2020, marks the 177th birth anniversary of Fr. Leo John Dehon, founder of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, SCJ. It is a special day to thank the Lord for the gift of his life and the uncountable graces that God gave to him. It is also a day of prayer for the new Dehonian Vocations.

In the Spirit of Sint Unum with the whole Congregation, the Sacred Heart Formation House in Aluba, Cagayan de Oro, started the celebration with a holy hour, reflecting upon some of his writings and praying for new vocations. Continue reading →

Feb 26 2020

Ash Wednesday – Start of Lent 2020

“Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful friend who never abandons us. Even when we sin, he patiently awaits our return; by that patient expectation, he shows us his readiness to forgive.” (Pope Francis)

Feb 14 2020

Sending Off Missionaries to Colombia

The concluding activity of the third day of the SCJ Annual Assembly on February 12, 2020, was Holy Eucharist. It was held at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Aluba, Cagayan de Oro City and was presided by the Regional Superior, Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ. Besides the two SCJ deacons, Fr. Lukas was accompanied at the altar by Fr. Delio Ruiz, SCJ, and Fr. Rogereve U. Pausanos, SCJ, who will join the new international community in Colombia. On February 17, 2020, they will leave for Madrid in Spain and after a few days, they will proceed to Quito in Ecuador. In Ecuador, they will meet the rest of the group, will organize the new community, and make plans for the future, while Fr. Rogereve will learn Spanish. The most probably by June 2020, they will move to Bogotá in Colombia. The new community will include one SCJ from Indonesia and one from Brazil. Continue reading →