Tag Archives: philippines

May 28 2024

Priests of the Sacred Heart in the Philippines: Community & Mission

“A Brief Description of the Priests of the Sacred Heart Community Life and Mission in the Philippines,” authored by Rev. Fr. Rechie C. Gier, SCJ, MA, STL, invites you to explore the life and mission of the SCJ community within the Philippines. This document delves into the core values that guide the SCJ, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to spreading love, compassion, and service through their diverse ministries.

The description delves into the unique character of the SCJ community in the Philippines, highlighting its international and intercultural makeup. It showcases their unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino people, particularly those facing hardship, through projects that address the needs of the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. Continue reading →

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.

May 4 2016

25 years and beyond

On May 17, 2016, the SCJ Philippine Region will celebrate the 27th Anniversary of SCJ presence in the Philippines. The video below, originally intended for the 25th Anniversary, summarizes main activities of the Philippine Mission since the arrival of first SCJ missionaries up to the present.

Mar 5 2016

Meeting of Lay Dehonians in Vietnam

LD Vietnam participantsLast 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.

During the next meeting, which will be held in August this year in Indonesia, the participants will choose the Coordinator for Asia and discuss the preparations for the Dehonian Family Gathering in May 2017 in Rome.

Fr. Rechie Gier, SCJ, in the video below, shares his observations regarding that meeting.

Oct 28 2012

Flicker of Hope

It has been already 10 months since the typhoon Sendong (Washi) hit Cagayan de Oro last December. It caused enormous damage to the city. Many people were killed (1259) and many are still missing (500). Many families lost their houses and all their possessions. Most of them (over 7000 families) are still hopeless and live in “temporary shelters,” on basketball courts, parish yards or in the compounds of the seminary and retreat houses.

The typhoon victims are patiently waiting for a land where they could relocate to and begin their normal life. The promise to help by Mayor comes very slowly. In fact, there are more discussions than actions. Also, the Social Action of the Diocese of Cagayan seems to work too slowly.

Hence, there is a new initiative of the Religious Orders in Cagayan. Six congregations of sisters and priests decided to help the affected people in their own way. They have agreed to make an all-out, combined effort, in order to build 550 houses for homeless families.

Last month almost 8 (eight) hectares of land were purchased for this project in Opol located in the suburbs of the city. Then, there was a “ground breaking” ceremony and the work began. At this time, the land is well prepared. Water supply and electrical connection have already been done. An architect, who volunteered to help in this project, is very positive about it and is planning to build 100 houses till the end of this year.

Each of the houses is meant for one family and will have a size of 28.8 sqm. One unit will cost ₱125,000 ($3000). The good news is that the international organization “Habitat for Humanity International” is willing to help in this project. They will subsidize more than 50% of the price of the new houses.

We are looking for other sponsors. Hopefully, in the middle of the next year, 550 families, victims of Sendong, will move to the new houses. The new village will have the name of the “Mother of Divine Mercy.” Beside houses there is also a plan to build a chapel and a basketball court. Time frame and success of this project depends much on the sponsors and benefactors.