News & Events | May 04, 2026
Dehonian bishops come together
From April 26-30, Dehonian bishops from around the world were gathered in Puente la Reina, Spain. It was the first time that that group has met since 2018 when they were together in Rome. There are currently 24 SCJ bishops around the world; approximately half are retired. The largest number of active bishops is in South America. Among those at the meeting were two former SCJ superiors general: Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho, bishop of Leiria-Fátima (Portugal) and Bishop Virginio Bressanelli, retired bishop of Neuquén (Argentina).
On the occasion of his 84th birthday on May 1, DehoniansWorldwide (general Facebook page) posted a brief interview with Bishop Virginio. An excerpt (English translation of the Italian):
“We are called to be servants of the Kingdom of God. The Church itself has no meaning in and of itself; rather, it is directed toward ensuring that the world welcomes the gift of the Kingdom of God. In this sense — and for me personally — the true congregation, in its deepest essence, possesses a life of holiness; it possesses a life of commitment to the Kingdom of God that is truly profound. This has been my great experience…
“I truly feel that the Lord walks alongside us, that the Sacred Heart of Jesus truly loves us and watches over us with the eternal love of the Father. I have great confidence and great hope; yet I believe that this journey with the Lord must be supported by everyone with generosity. We are called to the perfection of charity, and the perfection of charity entails what our Constitutions offer us: a constant union with God, experienced through the mystery of the Heart of Jesus, and service to our brothers and sisters…we are called to a commitment — and to hold fast to hope — because the true security for everything comes solely from God.”
Go to Dehonians worldwide to view the interview in full, as well as videos, photos and other information from the bishops gathering. Bishop Virginio is pictured below speaking at the meeting.
SHSST Commencement
On Friday, May 8, 32 students will graduate from Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. Among them is our own Dcn. Hung Pham, SCJ, who will be ordained to the priethood on August 15, and seven lay students receiving master’s degrees.
Fr. John Czyzynski, SCJ, former provincial superior and long-time member of the SHSST staff, will be the commencement speaker. Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, current provincial superior, will preside at evening prayer.
Welcome!
Fr. Francois Zelfah Rakotoarijaona, an SCJ from Madagascar, arrived in Hales Corners early last week. He will be a member of the St. Joseph Community (4th floor) and assist with the Sacred Heart Community at SHML while preparing for future ministry in the US Province. Fr. Zelfah did much of his formation with the international SCJ community in South Africa. He made his first profession in 2014 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2024. Prior to coming to the US, he served primarily in parochial ministry. He will celebrate his 33rd birthday this Saturday, May 9.
Indian district becomes a region
Last week the general administration announced that the District of India will transition to the status of being a “Region” as of May 17, approximately 32 years since the first two SCJ priests arrived in India.
The US Province has had a significant role in the development of the Dehonian presence in the Asian country, both through financial and personnel resources. Fr. Tom Garvey, SCJ, former US provincial superior, is considered one of the founding fathers of the Indian District. But many other SCJs from the US have given significant contributions, including Fr. Charles Bisgrove, Fr. Tom Fix and Fr. Richard DiLeo. Br. Leonard Zaworski spent 12 years in the country, developing social outreach; Fr. Tom Cassidy continues to visit regularly. Fr. Charles Brown and Fr. Jim Schroeder are among those who have taught in the district.
Pictured above: SCJs at the 25th anniversary of the Dehonian presence in India in 2019.
“Integral Human Development in a Fragmented World”
Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, along with Fr. Roger Schroeder, SVD, will be the presenters at a May 16 online public lecture sponsored by the Australian Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). The lecture will be the first in a series with the theme: “Integral Human Development in a Fragmented World.” Frs. Vien and Roger will focus on “Biblical and Mission Perspectives,” exploring key biblical and mission perspectives on integral human development in today’s fragmented world, offering valuable insights for scholars, missionaries, and others interested in faith, culture, and global challenges.
Anyone is welcome to view the online lecture; no registration is required. It begins at 1:00 p.m. in Sydney, Australia, on May 16. HOWEVER, due to the time difference, in Chicago (central time) the lecture starts at 10:00 p.m. on May 15, not May 16. Zoom info:
Date: May 16 in Asia; May 15 in North America
Time: 1:00 p.m. on May 16 in Sydney; 10:00 p.m. May 15 in Chicago
Zoom ID: 387 534 4942 – Passcode: MER.AUS26
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3875344942…
Please remember
+ António Jardim dos Santos, a member of the Portuguese Province who died on May 1. He was born in 1935, professed in 1958 and ordained in 1964.
Keep in prayer
Fr. Frank Wittouck, SCJ, transitioned to home hospice care last week. Cards can be sent to him at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake, 7330 S. Lovers Lane Road, Franklin, WI 53132-1849
Preparing for WYD 2027
Last week our pilgrim group from Mississippi had its first meeting in preparation for the next World Youth Day, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3-8, 2027. Seventeen young people from Dehonian parishes in Mississippi will take part. Other Dehonian groups are being formed in Houston and Wisconsin.
Official prayer for WYD 2027:
Loving Lord of all young people,
we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy.
Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you.
May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church,
and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you overcome the world, both now and forever.
May all people discover the hope that lies in your call to take courage,
realizing that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world.
Oh Holy Spirit, Flame of Love,
by your wonderous hand
you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea.
Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs’ faith in our hearts,
making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth.
Lord, we pray that through this pilgrim journey of World Youth Day
we may listen to each other, discern your will,
and become a synodal Church, walking together with all of God’s people. Amen.
Please keep in prayer the many young people around the world preparing for next year’s WYD.
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