News & Events | February 09, 2026
Sharing what it means to live consecrated life
Last Monday, February 2, was World Day for Consecrated Life. Throughout the month parishes across the country invite members of religious communities to share their lived experience.
At last weekend’s Masses at St. Dominic’s parish in Brookfield, WI, Fr. Hendrik Ardianto, SCJ, spoke about what it means to live consecrated life as an SCJ. He was joined by Fr. Rafael Querobin, SCJ, who helped staff an info table about the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Monica Misey, director of Dehonian Associates, was also on hand to speak with parishioners about the associates. Br. Andy Gancarczyk, SCJ, brought three of the ECS students from Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, to the 11:00 a.m. Mass. It was an opportunity for parishioners to learn about the internationality of the Dehonians.
St. Dominic’s Parish is a large and vibrant community about 20 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. The SCJs were invited by the parish’s pastoral associate, Mary Lestina. Mary has been active with the online Dehonian Associates group and has been accepted to make a commitment as an Associate in June.
“We are grateful to Fr. Dennis Saran and Fr. David Sweeney, St. Dominic’s pastor and associate pastor (both SHSST graduates) for hosting us,” said Monica. “And for Mary Lestina for not only inviting the Dehonians, but also for preparing a wonderful Sunday breakfast!”
Wherever we go we can still feel at home
“Travel is so important, it is a way to immerse yourself in another culture. We go to places that are so different than where we are from. But no matter where we are, we can also feel at home. If I walk into a church, I see the Blessed Sacrament and I am at home. It is the same here, it is the same in Brazil, it will be the same in Asia. I will be at home.”
The quote is from Frater Alexandre Caetano, an SCJ seminarian from Brazil who is in the ECS program (English and Culture Studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology) brushing up on his language skills in preparation for theology studies in Macau (China).
“I am far from home, but I am still at home,” said Fra. Alexandre. “I am in a Dehonian community, so I am still with my brothers.” Though he added that his home in Wisconsin is a much colder one than his home Brazil. “It is my first time seeing snow!”
Fra. Alexandre will be a part of a second international cohort of SCJ students doing their theological studies in Macau, preparing for future ministry in Asia. He is the first such student from the Americas.
The SCJ has been in vows just one year; he made his renewal on February 2 at Sacred Heart Monastery. Fra. Alexandre said that it was “quite a surprise” when his superior asked him to consider going to Macau for theology.
“I saw that it was God calling me, this is his plan for me,” said Fra. Alexandre. “I made the decision quickly. And when I learned the name of the university – St. Joseph’s – I felt like it truly was a part of a divine plan. I have always had a special devotion to St. Joseph.”
Please remember
+ Fr. Vincenzo Martino, a member of the South Italian Province, died on Feb. 3. He was born in 1940, professed in 1958 and ordained in 1966.
+ Fr. Ezio Mosca, a member of the North Italian Province, died on Feb. 8. He was born in 1941, professed in 1958 and was ordained in 1968.
+ John Middegaal, the brother-in-law of Fr. John van den Hengel, died in Exeter, Ontario. He was 84 and married to Fr. John’s sister, Anne. The funeral is today, Feb. 9 at St. James Church in Seaforth, Ontario. Fr. John is a member of the Ottawa community.
Keep in prayer
Fr. Byron Haaland, SCJ, is recovering from hip surgery following a fall. During his hospitalization a cancerous spot was discovered in his perineum. Further testing is being done to determine a course of treatment.
Fr. Ralph Intranuovo, SCJ, is back home at the Sacred Heart Community in Pinellas Park, FL, following time in a rehabilitation facility to treat a kidney infection.
Also, Nora Kubacki, house manager at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake, fell while ice skating over the weekend and broke her elbow. Please keep her, Fr. Byron and Fr. Ralph in your prayers.
Colloquium to commemorate the founder
On March 13, in commemoration of Fr. Leo John Dehon’s birth on March 14, 1843, the Dehon Study Center will host a colloquium titled “He Loved Us, I Have Loved You: The Heart of Christ, the Poor, and the Church Today.”
It will be held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Provincial Offices (7373 S. Lovers Lane Rd., Franklin, WI 53132). Lunch will follow.
This event is open to SCJs, collaborators and the general public. To attend in person, click here to RSVP by February 26.
The program will also be livestreamed at the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8342363189?omn=89644639655
Meeting ID: 834 236 3189
“This colloquium will explore two significant texts: Dilexit Nos and Dilexi Te,” said Fr. Joseph Mukuna, SCJ, DSC director. “Dr. Megan Furman, PhD, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology will discuss ‘Who Is the Poor Other?’ Dr. James Stroud, STD, Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at SHSST will discuss ‘Holiness and the Poor.’ A panel discussion will follow, addressing how to move from contemplation (of the Heart of Jesus) to transformation, encouraging active participation and shared commitment to reshaping our relationships with the poor.”
Questions? Click here to contact Fr. Joseph.
From the JPR office
Fr. Joseph Thien Dinh, SCJ, province director of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation, notes that yesterday, February 8, was World Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. “In light of that I am sharing a reflection from the Vatican News website in which Sr. Abby Avelino, the International Coordinator of Talitha Kum, discusses the pressing challenges and key priorities in fighting human trafficking.”
Click here to access the story.
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