This is the Place Where Peace Shall Grow: A Gift of the Sacred Heart

On May 20, 2025, a day filled with joy and thanksgiving, the Sacred Heart Spirituality Center in Lucoban, Dumalinao, Diocese of Pagadian, was solemnly blessed by His Excellency, Archbishop Martin S. Jumoad, D.D., Archbishop of Ozamiz and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Pagadian.

The celebration brought together SCJs (Priests of the Sacred Heart) from across the Philippines and Vietnam, clergy of the Diocese of Pagadian, benefactors, friends, and lay faithful — all united in witnessing the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream.

This momentous occasion was also a fitting way to honor the 36 years of SCJ presence in the Philippines — years marked by missionary service, formation, and faithful dedication to the Heart of Jesus and His Church.

Envisioned as a house of formation, prayer, and discernment, the Spirituality Center is especially intended for young people and lay leaders from nearby schools and parishes, offering them a space to grow in faith and service.

The project began on June 19, 2020, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the blessing of the construction site by the late Bishop Ronald I. Lunas, D.D. His pastoral guidance and encouragement laid the spiritual and physical foundations for what would become a lasting gift to the Church.

The initiative was first launched under the leadership of Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito, SCJ, with Fr. Joseph D. Muego, SCJ overseeing the project’s day-to-day implementation. The work was later completed under the dedicated leadership of Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ, who guided the project through its final and most challenging stages.

Construction faced considerable delays, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when health restrictions, labor limitations, and financial constraints temporarily brought progress to a halt. Yet, by God’s grace and the perseverance of the SCJ community, the work continued step by step, until its joyful completion.

This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of SCJ entities in Germany, the United States Province, Poland, and Indonesia. Their financial assistance, prayerful support, and missionary solidarity turned vision into reality — a living sign of the unity and commitment of the Congregation worldwide.

In his homily, Archbishop Jumoad expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the SCJs for the gift of the Spirituality Center. He recognized it as a blessing not only for the Congregation but for the entire Diocese of Pagadian. Emphasizing the need for peace in today’s world, he declared: “This is the place where peace can be built and grow.” He also encouraged the SCJs to continue their missionary journey, particularly by embracing the pastoral challenge of establishing a new parish in Tigbao, a mission area in need of evangelization and care.

The presence of SCJs from Vietnam added a spirit of international fraternity, underlining the global mission of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

Now with its doors open, the Sacred Heart Spirituality Center stands as a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of formation, and a powerful witness to the enduring mission of the Church. Built in faith, sustained by generosity, and completed in love, may it serve for generations to come as a place where hearts are formed after the Heart of Christ.

Vivat Cor Iesu!