Philippines: Sacred Heart Congress Calls Faithful to Keep Hope Alive

Amid social unrest, economic struggles, and deep divisions in society, the Sacred Heart Congress held on October 18, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Parish Shrine in Kamuning, Quezon City, Philippines, became a wellspring of hope, faith, and renewal for many faithful who gathered to rekindle their devotion to the Heart of Jesus.

This year’s Congress carried the consoling theme “Dilexit Nos”, “He has loved us”, echoing a message that speaks directly to the realities of today’s world: that God’s love is not distant nor passive, but alive, active, and transformative, even in the most challenging times.

According to Parish Pastoral Council Coordinator Dindo Buñag, the celebration was made even more meaningful as it marked three major jubilees: the 350th anniversary of the devotion to the Sacred Heart beginning with the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the 150th founding anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), and the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope.

“It is in moments like this that the love of the Sacred Heart becomes a vital source of strength and inspiration for all of us,” Buñag said. “We open ourselves not just to ask for help, but to become agents of God’s love in our communities.”

The Way of the Heart

In his talk, Fr. Vic de Jesus, SJ, spoke on “The Way of the Heart and the Apostleship of Prayer,” urging participants to deepen their prayer life and unite their hearts with Christ.

“In gratitude, what do we do? We offer our lives in union with Jesus,” he said. “We join Him now in being bread for the world and drink for those who are thirsty.”

Fr. de Jesus reminded the faithful that prayer and mission are inseparable, calling everyone to become instruments of compassion and justice in society.

“Part of being an Apostle of Prayer is being a good citizen, to call to accountability those who have stolen, to seek truth, and to serve,” he added, underscoring that prayer transforms the heart to beat in rhythm with the Heart of Christ.

He invited everyone to a spiritual review he calls “3S”: “Salamat” (Thank you), “Sorry”, and “Send me, Lord”, a simple yet profound path of gratitude, repentance, and mission.

Faith that Engages the World

Rev. Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, parish priest of the Sacred Heart Shrine, reflected on the theological depth of the devotion in his talk “Dilexit Nos.” He explained that the Sacred Heart devotion, officially affirmed by the Magisterium, gives a firm foundation to what was once a private devotion, rooting it deeply in the Church’s life and mission.

Fr. Flores outlined three dimensions of the devotion, the “3Is”: Interiority, Intimacy, and Involvement.

“From interiority, we move to intimacy, a relationship with the Heart of Jesus, and finally, to involvement, the mission flowing from love,” he said.

Drawing from Pope Francis’ teachings, Fr. Flores reminded the faithful that the Sacred Heart calls believers to confront “structural sins”, systems that perpetuate poverty, corruption, and injustice.

He challenged everyone, saying, “Those who make reparation are those who commit themselves to resolve the structural causes of poverty.”

Moreover, the priest emphasized that education plays a vital role in breaking these unjust systems.

“Education of the poor is one of the highest expressions of Christian love, the key to building a civilization of love,” he said.

Love that Endures Injustice

In a heartfelt testimony, Leila de Lima, representing the Makabayan bloc in Congress, shared her personal reflection on “What God’s Love Means in the Midst of Injustice.”

Having endured nearly seven years of imprisonment during the previous administration on charges she has consistently denied, De Lima spoke of how faith sustained her spirit throughout the ordeal. Her experience of detention and eventual acquittal has become, for many, a symbol of endurance, truth, and hope in the face of injustice.

“When we continue to love, we declare that no prison, no propaganda, no power can crush the human spirit that comes from God,” she said.

De Lima emphasized that surrendering to God does not mean submission to oppression, but rather courage born of love.

“Love at its deepest is not just compassion, it is courage,” she declared.

When asked what God’s love means in the midst of injustice, De Lima answered: “It is the flame that survives the darkness, the heartbeat that keeps us human, and the power that turns pain into purpose.”

She then challenged Filipinos to “keep that flame alive, guard it against cynicism and weariness, and when the thorns of cruelty pierce our world again, may we answer as the Sacred Heart did, by burning brighter.”

Her testimony served as a poignant reminder that even amid suffering and injustice, the love of Christ remains the flame that purifies, strengthens, and transforms hearts, a love that cannot be silenced by fear or power.

Remain in My Love

The Congress concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Leopoldo C. Jaucian of Bangued, Abra.

In his homily, Bishop Jaucian reminded the faithful that the Heart of Jesus is the visible sign of God’s love for the world.

“First love never dies,” he said. “We return again to the love of Jesus and to our mission, to share it with others so that the world may once more recognize the love of God.”

As the Church in the Philippines continues to face many national and moral challenges, the Bishop urged everyone not to lose hope but to become “missionaries of hope” guided by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The 6th Sacred Heart Congress became not just a commemoration of milestones but a living testimony that the love of Christ continues to burn in the hearts of His people. In a world often overshadowed by pain and division, the devotion to the Sacred Heart remains a powerful reminder that love, true, courageous, and enduring, will always triumph.

(Leahna Villajos, currently serving as the Social Media Officer at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, Philippines, is also a freelancer who contributes regularly to RVA and other Catholic platforms.)