Priests of the Sacred Heart

Admission to the Novitiate

On March 25, 2008, a group of 7 Postulants oficially started their 14-month Novitiate. The ceremony of admission took place at the chapel of the "Novitiate Fr. Dehon" in Lower Lucoban, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, during the Holy Mass presided by the Novice Master, Fr. Aloisio Back. Since this was the day of SCJ monthly meeting, most of the SCJs were able to participate in this celebration. At the moment there are all together 15 Novices.

165th Anniversary of Fr. Dehon's Birth

The 165th Anniversary of Fr. Leo Dehon's Birth, on March 14, 2008, was remembered in the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City. As usual the celebration started with the Holy Eucharist, which was attended by the SCJ priests, seminarians, Lay Dehonians and the Dehonian Youth. After the Mass, all members of the Dehonian Family gathered in front of the statue of Fr. Leo Dehon, offered flowers and prayed for Fr. Dehon's soon beatification and new vocations to the Congregation.
The celebration was concluded with the common supper.

Fr. Leo Dehon in Pictures

Admission to the Postulancy Program

On March 10, 2008, three of the Aspirants: Dinh Van Nguyen, Jomhar Tuburan and Ruel Palisbo were admitted to the Postulancy Program. The ceremony of acceptance took place at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City during the Holy Eucharist presided by the District Superior Fr. Rino Venturin.

Fr. Leo Dehon - His Life and His Mission

Here below is a link to the presentation about the life and mission of Fr. Leo Dehon, prepared for the occassion of his birth anniversary on March 14 - His Life and His Mission - Flash. You might also want to download it as a screensaver - His Life and His Mission - Screensaver.

Stations of the Cross

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.

Fr. Bene's Homily

District Assembly 2008

From January 28 - 30, 2008, the SCJ Philippine District held its annual assembly. The aim of this three day event was evaluation and planning of activities of the District.

As usual, the first day of the assembly was dedicated totally to the personal sharing preceded by personal meditation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Each member of the District had an opportunity to share about himself, his work, health and spiritual life.

The main theme of the second day was formation and all related to it matters. The formators in-charge of each stage of formation presented their reports, which were followed by questions, clarifications and ardent discussions. Also, on the second the different parishes, commissions and committees informed the assembly about their past activities and plans for the future.

The first half of the third day was dedicated to the financial matters of the District. Besides the financial reports, presented by the District Treasurer, the assembly was also talking about the different projects being run by the District, plans for the Retreat Center in Dumalinao, recompense for the SCJ workers, etc.

During the second half of the third and last day Fr. Rino Venturin, the District Superior, informed the assembly about some important events that are going to happen this year such as international convention in Manila, District Chapter, and some other urgent matters concerning the District.

Each day activities were concluded with the Holy Eucharist. On the first and third day, the Holy Mass was presided by the the Fr. Aloisio Back and Fr. Benedito Machado respectively, who very recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood; Fr. Aloiso on December 31, 2007 and Fr. Benedito last January 15, 2008. On the second day the Holy Mass was presided by Fr. "Yan", who right after the assembly is leaving for his new assignment in another country.

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.