On June 28, 2018, five Dehonian Novices from the Philippines –– Rene D. Adorable, Francis S.J. Atayza, July P. Zambrano, Giovanni B. Bautista and Rackie M. Roxas –– made their commitment to God in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. By the profession of three vows –– Chastity, Poverty and Obedience –– they declared their readiness to follow Jesus more closely. They spent nearly 14 months preparing for this moment under the guidance of the Novice Master Fr. Indra Pamungkas, SCJ, and Fr. Yohanes Sono Pribadi, SCJ, the “Socius.” Together, with five Vietnamese Novices who made their First Profession of vows in Vietnam, May 31, 2018, they learned about the Congregation, the Founder, vows and religious life.
During the same celebration, two SCJ brothers in temporary vows –– Fra. Ruel Paalisbo, SCJ, and Fra. Joel Bolo, SCJ –– made their final profession of vows. The professions were accepted by the Regional Superior, Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ.
The ceremony was held on the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and took place at St. Isidore Parish Church in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur. It was attended by the SCJ confreres from throughout the Philippines, family members, and friends.
The newly professed will move to Dehon House in Manila where they will study Theology and prepare themselves further for ordination to the priesthood.
As we thank God for this beautiful moment we entrust the new SCJs to our prayers. May they grow in their vocation and become effective instruments of God’s Love to the world.
