On Friday, March 7, Fr. Paul Phong Hoang, SCJ, was the presenter for the annual Lenten Hour of Recollection for SCJs. His topic: “Finding Purpose.” After sharing perspectives from philosophers and a variety of faith traditions, he moved towards discussion of one’s life as an SCJ “mindful that I am the youngest priest in the province,” he said, “speaking here to many years of wisdom.”
Although it was directed toward SCJs who had been in vows much longer than him, Fr. Paul said that his presentation was actually adapted from one that he has used in retreats with youth, helping them to reflect on finding purpose in their lives. Touching on that, he asked SCJs to think about their lives as members of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.
“What was the reason you joined the congregation?” asked Fr. Paul. The responses were varied, but there were common themes. Few of the SCJs knew anything about Dehonian spirituality when they first came to the community. But the longer they spent time with the SCJs they realized – even if by accident – that they were where they belonged.
“I thank God for somehow leading me to the community,” said one SCJ. “It is where I am at home.”
Sharing his own vocation story, Fr. Paul said that he was attracted to the diversity of the community, SCJs from many cultures and ministries, but also, “I liked the SCJ logo, the empty heart in a cross. I thought, ‘I could put my heart there.’”
Fr. Paul “put his heart there” in 2018 when he professed his first vows with the community. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2024 and now serves on the Dehonian pastoral team in northern Mississippi.
