The summer season was jam-packed at the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre in Lapu-Lapu City, in the Philippines. Their Facebook page has been keeping us updated with a whole host of wonderful photos that give us a glimpse into the busy and productive ministry and community in this warm and welcoming space.
Corpus Christi was a beautiful occasion on June 10th, presided over by Rev Fr Cirilo Asister Jr. MSC, and with the perfect musical accompaniment from the choir of the Fr Jules Chevalier Mission Center Music Ministry.
The mission centre welcomed Fr Jaime Duero MSC to the fold at the end of June, with great joy and excitement at this new arrival. “The Fr. Jules Chevalier Mission Center Community warmly welcomes you with joyful hearts and prayers,” posted their Facebook page. “May your presence among us bring renewed faith, hope, and inspiration as we continue our mission of serving God and His people.”
MSC scholars at the centre have continued with their Monthly Values Formation Programme throughout the summer, led by Mr Benny Tan. “Through reflection, dialogue, interactive activities, and faith-sharing, the scholars are encouraged to become compassionate, responsible, and mission-oriented leaders in their families, communities, and the Church,” the Facebook page explains.
The centre regularly plays host to feeding programmes for vulnerable families in the community, with an outreach programme sponsored by the Saint Egidio Community at the end of June. “Your generosity and compassion brought not only nourishing meals but also joy, hope, and smiles to the children and families in our community,” wrote the Mission Centre team. “Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference—one meal, one act of kindness, and one heart at a time.”
The Patronal Visit of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart took place through the last weeks of July, with the image of Our Lady visiting several chapels in the area, in a beautiful celebration of prayer and thanksgiving. Ceremonies took place at the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel in LEUPA, the Our Lady of All Nation Chapel in BNCA/Kolo, the San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, the San Isidro Labrador – Tangke Chapel, and the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception – Modena Subdivision, all across the region of Barangay Basak in Lapu-Lapu City. Even bad weather on some occasions didn’t deter the faithful, and special Masses were said at each visit, with guided reflection and prayer for the communities gathered.
Preparations abounded for the 2026 General Assembly, which took place on August 9th with the theme of ““Journeying Together as a Listening Church: Building Communities of Hope through the Mission of the Sacred Heart”.
“The assembly provided an opportunity to share updates, present reports, discuss community concerns, and develop recommendations and action plans for the mission center,” reported the Mission Centre’s Facebook page. “The gathering also strengthened collaboration, unity, and shared commitment among the different communities and ministries in serving the people and continuing the mission of the Sacred Heart.”
As the Centre moves ahead into the autumn months, we wish our MSC brothers and the community there every blessing for an equally fruitful autumn and winter season. May God bless and guide them as they continue in their untiring ministry to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the region.
Images via the Facebook page for the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre.