Jan 23 2008

25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood

On January 15, 2008, Fr. Jose Benedito Machado de Moraes, scj, celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. Since on that day he was still in Brazil on his vacations celebrating his anniversary with the truck drivers in his home parish, the celebration of his Silver Jubilee in the District took place on January 30, 2008 in Cagayan de Oro on the last day of the District Assembly.

Fr. Bene, during his short but beautiful and inspiring homily, thanked God for his vocation and for the opportunity of celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination. He also recalled his way to the Philippines, which was basically following the footsteps of Jesus and… footsteps of Fr. Al, his companion and close friend. First as a director of the school, later on in Mato Grosso and finally in the Philippines. For him there is nothing that can recompense the joy of being a priest and to serve God and His people. He also encouraged the young seminarians in Cagayan de Oro to be faithful to their vocation saying that there is not greater happiness than to be close to God and to serve Him, to be His instrument. For us, the SCJs it would be a great moment to see them in the future as priests.

Dec 31 2007

Fr. Aloisio Back – Ordination Anniversary

On December 31, 2007, Fr. Aloisio Back, the Novice Master, celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.
The Anniversary was marked by a special concelebrated Mass held at the Fr. Dehon Novitiate in Lucoban, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur. During his homily Fr. Aloisio recalled his way to the priesthood and thanked to God for all the graces he received during these past 25 years of which 16 he spent in the Philippines.
In the name of the District Fr. Janusz Burzawa, the first councilor, thanked to Fr. Aloisio for the work he is doing and for his dedication to the Church, the Congregation and the District.
The celebration was attended by representatives of all SCJ communities and by some friends.

Dec 29 2007

Search-in Seminar in Cagayan de Oro

Forty four young men searching for their way of life attended the “Search-in Seminar” in Cagayan de Oro City. The seminar was held from December 26 – 29, 2007, in the Sacred Heart Formation House in Aluba, and it was organized by the Vocation Promotion Team led by Fr. Indra Pamungkas, scj.

The participants came from different parts of Mindanao representing seven dioceses. Thirty five of the participants expressed their interest in the Congregation and wrote an application letter. Finally, after the interview conducted by members of the team, nineteen of them were approved as candidates.

Nov 23 2007

Farewell to Fr. Eduardo Agüero

Fr. Eduardo Agüero, after more than 18 years of service, will return for good to his mother Province, to Argentina. The farewell party took place on November 19, 2007 in Cagayan de Oro, during the SCJ monthly meeting.
During the Eucharist, Fr. Eduardo – the main celebrant, explained the reasons for his returning home and recalled the most memorable moments during his stay in the Philippines. Fr. Janusz Burzawa, in the name of the SCJ District in the Philippines, thanked Fr. Ed for his work for the local Church and for the Congregation, and wished him all the best in his new assignment in Argentina.

Nov 23 2007

New Missionary for the Philippine District

Fr. Jan Krzysciak,scj, a member of the Polish Province, is the newest asset of the Philippine District. He arrived in Manila last November 24, 2007.
Fr. Jan is 34 years old and was ordained as a priest in year 2002 in Stadniki, Poland. Before applying to join this mission he was assigned for four years in Belchatow, one of the biggest SCJ parishes in Poland. In year 2006, he went to the United States where he studied English until the end of September 2007. In the beginning of January 2008, Fr. Jan will start to study the local language (Cebuano) at the Maryknoll Institute of Language and Culture (MILC) in Davao City.
In the name of all members of the Philippine District we would like to welcome Fr. Jan and wish that soon the Philippines will become his second home.