Featured Stories | December 22, 2025
Fr. Greg at the wheel!
As a way of saying “thank you” to our staff and their families at the Sacred Heart Center in Eagle Butte, SD, representatives from the Lower Brule Pastoral Team and St. Joseph’s Indian School delivered 40 turkeys and hams to the center last week. Among those joining Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ, for the three-hour (one way) drive were Fr. Floribert Bulo Dhelo, SCJ, Sr. Yollie Nobabos, TMM, and Sr. Ramona Pandan, MCM.
This was the first visit to the Sacred Heart Center for Fr. Floribert, Sr. Yollie and Sr. Ramona. “It was a great way for them to connect to one of our SCJ apostolates,” said Fr. Greg. “They asked many questions, engaged with staff and each noted that there are similar ministries in their home countries.” The Sacred Heart Center, begun by the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1982, offers Family Violence Services (including shelter, legal advocacy, and transportation), Child Services, Community Outreach, and the Bear Necessities Thrift Store.
“The Sacred Heart Center reminds me of our ministries with the Priests of the Sacred Heart in the Philippines,” said Sr. Yollie, who is a member of the Theresian Missionaries of Mary. “I have ministered with the SCJs for almost 10 years. In keeping with the Dehonians’ thrust to promote social justice, they established a residential facility in Cagayan de Oro (Philippines) for victims of sexual abuse. The Kasanag Daughters Foundation is a haven for sexually abused girls. It offers integral healing programs to help them regain self-worth and eventually find their way back to the mainstream of society.
On the way home the travelers visited the Christmas tree display in Pierre
“During their stay at the foundation’s residential facilities, the girls are provided with holistic and integral healing and rehabilitation with the assistance of psychologists, educational scholarships, values formation, regular medical, physical and dental examinations, legal assistance, and skills training. The essence of the entire program is to empower these girls and prepare them to live productive and wholesome lives when it’s time for them to leave Kasanag.
“This springs from the legacy of Fr. Leo John Dehon. It is this legacy that has inspired me to be here, serving on the reservations of South Dakota.”
Gratitude for staff, and our benefactors
Fr. Floribert, an SCJ from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said that the Sacred Heart Center “is a beautiful mission carrying out founder’s vision! My heartfelt thanks to those who have devoted their lives to caring for the youth, preparing them for a secure future. I also have a deep respect for the center’s work in supporting adults dealing with trauma due to violence, as well as drug and alcohol addiction.
“I was wordless to see the support provided to these people, thanks to the generosity of benefactors. It reminded me of our Dehonian ministries in the Democratic Republic of Congo where we serve children who have become orphans due to war and poverty. The Priests of the Sacred Heart provide housing, food, clothes, and an education for their future.
“I am grateful to our donors, whom I respect so much. If you have the opportunity to witness the work that you have made possible you will be speechless with tears of joy.”