Scholasticate brothers from India, Vietnam, and Indonesia participated in the final vows preparation program in Indonesia from June 1 to 27, 2025. The program aimed to form them into mature Dehonians, deeply rooted in Sint Unum and fully committed to the mission.
From June 1 to 28, 2025, the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) in the Asian Zone held a month-long preparation program for final vows in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A total of 15 brothers participated in the program: eight from Vietnam, two from India, and five from Indonesia. In this event, the Philippines Region did not have scholastics to attend the program.
The major theme of the program was “To Be a Mature and Holy Dehonian Committed to Social Justice, Sint Unum, and Mission.” By the end of the program, the participants were encouraged to become mature Dehonians, deeply rooted in Sint Unum and dedicated to the mission.
First Part of the Program (June 1–21, 2025)
This phase was held at the SCJ Scholasticate in Yogyakarta. The brothers participated in various sessions that deepened their understanding of consecrated life and Dehonian identity. Key topics included:
- Consecrated Life (Fr. Dominic Loc)
- Psychosexual Development (Fr. Michael Augustine)
- Dehonian Spirituality (Fr. Jenli)
- Mission (Fr. Daniel Ribeiro)
Other complementary subjects were also offered to enrich the participants’ formation.
Second Part (June 22–27, 2025)
This was a spiritual retreat held at the Way Hurik Retreat House in Lampung, led by Fr. Aloysius Suyoto, SCJ. It provided the brothers with a time for deep reflection and spiritual renewal.
Reflections and Impressions
Br. Amos highlighted the importance of cultivating the capacity for understanding as a Dehonian, especially in embracing diversity within the community. Fr. Bambang, an Indonesian participant, expressed his gratitude for the spirit of togetherness and the enriching experience of living and learning with confreres from different entities.
Fr. Sunardi, the program coordinator, emphasized how the experience reflected the international spirit of the Congregation. The brothers lived in a dynamic community. They shared and learned from each other across cultural boundaries.
Fr. Daniel expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share the missionary spirit with the young Dehonians. He remarked that by committing ourselves to the Congregation, we broaden our horizons: wherever a Dehonian community exists, we are called to become part of it and participate in its mission.
Closing Celebration
On June 27, 2025, the participants joined the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. John Novitiate in Gisting, marking a joyful conclusion to their formation journey.
