Jun 7 2018

Episcopal Ordination in Cagayan de Oro

On June 7, 2018, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro celebrated the Episcopal Ordination of Fr. Raul Dael, SSJV. Fr. Raul is the third priest from the archdiocese, who became bishop. The other two are Bp. Jose A. Cabantan, DD, the Bishop of Malaybalay and Bp. Vilsom Basso, SCJ, who was assigned in the archdiocese when he was called to become a bishop in Brazil.

The new bishop, was on September 29, 2014, giving a spiritual input to the SCJs, who were starting their 1st Regional Assembly in Cagayan de Oro City. In his talk, Fr. Raul emphasized the mercy of God and the importance of being priests and religious after the Heart of Christ.

The main consecrators of Fr. Raul as bishop were: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, DD,  from the Archdiocese of Manila, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, DD, archbishop of Cagayan de Oro and Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar, DD, JCD,  bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Tandag, Surigao del Sur, who is being replaced by the new bishop Raul.

The celebration was attended by 30 Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, hundreds of priests from different archdioceses and dioceses and many people. The celebration that lasted three hours was beautifully prepared. The new bishop and people of Cagayan de Oro and their guests enjoyed also a meal together and the very nice weather.

Jun 6 2018

Final Vows Preparation in Indonesia

From June 3 – July 2, 2018, fifteen  young SCJs from Asian Zone, takes part in preparation for final vows in Indonesia. Seven participants are from India, six from Indonesia and two from the Philippines: Fra Victor Lingasa and Fra Julius Socorro. The preparation for final vows is organized each year in a different entity of Asia. The program includes the following topics:  Dehonian perspective of the Religious Vows,  Apostolic and Social dimension of the Dehonian Religious, and Affective maturity and Religious Life. As usual the activities will end with five day Spiritual Retreat.

Jun 6 2018

2nd Regional Assembly Chapter

27 SCJs, after final vows, took part in the 2nd Regional Assembly Chapter, held on June 5 – 6, 2018, at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City. The participants were welcomed by Fr. Rico Lapinig, SCJ, and after that by the Regional Superior Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, who officially declared start of the Chapter. As usual, the first part was a spiritual preparation for the main activity. Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, led a reflection based on the theme “With open Heart and Mind to the urgent needs of the Church and the World”, which was followed by the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Sacrament of Reconciliation.

After the break, Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, delivered the “State of the Region Address” (SORA), summarizing the main activities and achievements, that had happened since the 1st Regional Chapter in 2014. Following this, Fr. Delio Ruiz, SCJ, the chairman of the Preparatory Commission, explained the goal and procedures of a workshop that was going to be held, in five groups, in the afternoon. The purpose of this was to come out with some concrete proposals for the next six years, based on the last and this year conclusions of the assemblies.

On the following day, June 6, 2018, the assembly discussed the proposed motions, coming from the working groups, and voted on it. The last activity of the Chapter was election of the delegate for the XXIV General Chapter in Rome and his substitute, who will accompany the Regional Superior in July 2018.

The 2nd Regional Assembly Chapter was well prepared and conducted in a very fraternal atmosphere.

May 28 2018

Dehonian Youth Missionaries Summer Mission 2018

In celebration of its annual summer youth mission, the Dehonian Youth Missionaries blissfully accepted the challenge to share the good news to the people of Sitio Man-ai, Tignapoloan under the Chaplaincy of Jesus Nazareno in Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City. In unity with the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, this year’s theme of the mission is: “Renewed Young Dehonians for the New Evangelization”.

The summer mission was joyfully participated by 20 young missionaries from different parishes and chapels of Cagayan de Oro. The summer mission started with a Three (3) day formation seminar last May 16 – 18, 2018 at the Sacred Heart Formation House, Aluba. During the seminar, the missionaries underwent spiritual, human and community formations. Inputs on Missiology, Catechism and Flores de Mayo were given for the spiritual formation. They joined the daily communal prayers in the community which includes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, morning & evening prayers, recollection and Taizé Prayer. They have also undergone through a team building activities before they were sent off in the mission area at “Sagrado Corazon de Jesus” chapel in Man – ai last May 19 – 27, 2018.

The missionaries happily arrived in Man-ai last May 19, 2018 in the afternoon and they were then able to meet the people in the area. The missionaries were divided in three groups to handle the kids, youth and adults. Every morning, the missionaries visited and spent time with the families in the area through blessing their homes and having a bible sharing. In the afternoon, they conducted activities that could help community in Man – ai. The missionaries facilitated recollection and Taizé Prayer for the youth and adult. Activities given for the kids focused on catechizing and teaching them the basic prayers and the Holy Rosary and sharing unto them several biblical stories.

The missionaries assigned in the youth facilitated team building, leadership training, catechism, BEC and Youth Formation session while the group assigned in the adults engaged themselves by being with them through BEC sharing.

The Lay Dehonians also participated in the mission by giving some snacks and toiletries for the children which made them very happy as well.

Having experienced the life in Man-ai with God and with the community, the missionaries were inspired and encouraged to appreciate what they have at present and to extend their hands to the needy and to be fully renewed for the goodness of His people.

Vivat Cor Jesu!

By: Junas Malana & Alver Mark Tabunda

Edited by: Emmalyn Bizar Uayan

May 28 2018

19th Foundation Day of KDFI

On May 26, 2018, the Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc., (KDFI) celebrated its 19th Foundation Day. It is always celebrated on the last Saturday of May. As usual, the celebration started with the Holy Eucharist. Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ, the main celebrant, was accompanied by Mons. Rey Monsanto, the parish priest of Kauswagan, where the KDFI is located, Fr. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, a member of the US Province, and Fr. Joseph Butlig, SCJ, the coordinator of the program.

After the Mass, Mons. Rey Monsanto and Mrs. Wilma Gomez, the Board Member of Kasanag, cut the ribbon at the entrance to the exhibit room containing the art works of the residents of Kasanag Foundation. The cutting of the ribbon was followed by a short program prepared by the girls with help of  Mr. Michael “music wizard”Auxilio.

The singing continued after the supper. The celebration which lasted longer than usual was attended by the Board Members of Kasanag, SCJ priests and seminarians, old Kasanag daughters, benefactors and friends. The atmosphere was very nice and alive.