Launched in Brussels on 12 August 2024, the celebration of the Dehonian Jubilee (2024-2028) brought together this year 2025 in Saint Quentin and Brussels the major superiors of the various Dehonian entities.
The Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also known as the Dehonians, experienced an important and exceptional moment in its history through the celebration of the centenary of the death of Father Léon Jean Dehon (1925–2025). The commemoration of Father Dehon’s passing into eternal life united in Saint Quentin and Brussels the major superiors of the different Dehonian entities—places respectively linked to the founding of the congregation in 1878 and to the death of its founder in 1925.
Saint-Quentin, the City of Origins
The first historic location for this centenary celebration was indeed Saint Quentin (Northern France), in Saint Martin parish, where Father Dehon and Father André Prévot are buried. It was there, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, that the Eucharistic celebration took place, presided over by Bishop Renauld de Dinechin of the Diocese of Soissons, Laon, and Saint-Quentin, in the presence of the Superior General, Father Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, his Council, the major superiors of the SCJ Congregation, and other SCJ confreres from around the world.
After a warm welcome organized under the supervision of Father Stanislas Wawro, parish priest, the procession began at exactly 11 a.m. towards Saint Martin Church. According to the local Bishop, this building is often likened to a basilica because of its impressive architecture. The celebration was beautifully animated by a choir that welcomed the assembly with the well-known hymn Ecce venio, as well as the Dehonian Jubilee hymn (2024–2028).
Before the start of the Eucharistic celebration, Father Joseph Famerée, Provincial Superior of Francophone Europe, welcomed those present, thanking the Bishop for presiding over the Mass and also expressing gratitude for the presence of the Superior General. The homily was delivered by the Superior General. After the ceremony, a group photo was taken both in front of the altar and outside Saint Martin Church. The guests then gathered at Saint John of the Cross College, where they shared a meal and conversations. It was a time of reunion for Dehonian confreres, lay participants present for the occasion, and Father Dehon’s family, who were warmly applauded for their presence.
Brussels, Exactly 100 Years Later
The second historic site hosting the Eucharistic celebration of Father Dehon’s centenary was Brussels, on August 12, 2025—the very date of his death. Before the Eucharistic celebration, members of the Congregation visited Father Dehon’s room and prayed there after a brief introduction. This space has been well preserved and renovated. Visitors could observe objects that belonged to Father Dehon, notably the crucifix and rosary he held in his hands during his final moments. These objects were carried in procession to the church where he officiated until his death in 1925.
The Mass was presided over by Archbishop Luc Terlinden of Mechelen-Brussels, who maintains friendly ties with the SCJ community of Eugene Cattoir, located in the parish of Sainte-Croix, where he once served as pastor and collaborated with community members.
The choir provided musical animation during the celebration, while the Eugene Cattoir community members actively participated in the organization. The same protocol as in the first celebration was followed in Brussels: welcome by Father Joseph Famerée, homily delivered by the Superior General—with the exception of the presentation of the General Council, the major superiors of the congregation, and some members of the general curia. After the Eucharistic celebration, a group photo was taken in front of the altar, followed by a procession to the sacristy. The ceremony concluded with a convivial moment of fellowship over shared refreshments and warm exchanges among the guests.
May the Heart of Jesus live forever through Mary, our Mother. Vivat Cor Iesu per Cor Mariae!
