“You have been given a miracle. It is up to you now to show to others what you do with the miracle.”
Two years ago, the river running through Cagayan de Oro, a Philippine city on the island of Mindanao, burst its boundaries in the midst of epic rains. People were swept away in the raging waters; homes and businesses were damaged, including that of the Kasanag Daughters Foundation. The foundation, begun and operated by the Priests of the Sacred Heart, helps young women rebuild their lives after being the victims of sexual abuse.
Flood waters at Kasanag reached the second floor. Fortunately, no one was killed. However, the water damage was extensive.
This wasn’t the first time the foundation’s home was at risk from high waters. There was a fear that the Kasanag would continue to be at risk. Perhaps next time its residents would not escape unharmed.
The foundation decided to seek higher ground. With the help of good friends in the Philippines and around the world a property was found and funds were raised to build a new structure. Special help was provided by the Episcopal conference of Italy, but also by individual SCJ provinces and regions.With this combined effort, a new house for the Kasanag Daughters is already completed.
On Sunday, August 4, the house was blessed. Sixteen of the young women living at Kasanag were present, together with members of the Board of Directors, the program’s social worker, the director of the house, house mothers and many Dehonians, the spiritual force behind this work.
Fr. John van den Hengel, SCJ vicar general, presided at the Mass. He was in the Philippines to direct a retreat for fellow SCJs. In the Eucharist he reflected on the miracle of generosity that allowed the new building to become a reality. He said to the young women: “You have been given a miracle. It is up to you now to show to others what you do with the miracle.”
After Mass, Fr. John walked around the house and the grounds to bless them. Fr. Francis Pupkowski, regional superior, expressed the thanks of the SCJ community for all who made not only the new house, but the ministry itself, possible.
Fr. Marcial Corpuz Aquire now directs the program. He helped to organize the feast after the blessing. The young women entertained with song and dance.
The foundation receives support from around the world. It is one of the crown jewels of the Philippine Region and stands as a symbol of congregation’s social commitment, a commitment to which it is called by its founder, Fr. Leo John Dehon.
