About Us
Come away to a quiet place and rest awhile.
Message of the Administrator
Graduated from the University of the Philippines, Diliman , in 1976 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Financial Management. She has worked as credit analyst in different banking institutions, managed her own export company and engaged in financial consultancy before joining Sacred Heart Retreat House & Seminar Center as Administrator in December, 2006.
Agnes Lourdes “Lulu” F. Monzon
The offer to manage Sacred Heart Retreat House came when the Jesuit provincial decided to spin off the operations of the retreat house from the novitiate. Working in the retreat house was a totally different experience from the structured and aloof corporate life I’ve been accustomed to. Thus began the transformation of Sacred Heart Retreat House into an institution that adopted a corporate discipline, developed employees and encouraged teamwork .
These changes radiated into a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that guests experience when they come to stay at the place. We have a total of 23 employees assigned in the Housekeeping, Food Services, Grounds Maintenance and Administrative Divisions of the house. Physical improvements and facelifts are always ongoing at the retreat house building and its surroundings, but with a conscious effort to preserve the historic aura of the place.
The grounds are well maintained, and guests can go around in a bicycle to discover exotic birds nestled in the trees, or watch a flock of sheep grazing at the field. There are many indoor and outdoor places for reflection. Sports facilities too, offer a contemplative setting. More importantly, we have in-house experienced Jesuit retreat directors who give silent preached or directed retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Sacred Heart Retreat House is attached to Sacred Heart Novitiate, where a Jesuit community reside. Holy mass is celebrated daily and priests are available for confessions.
Sacred Heart Retreat House & Seminar Center now boasts of a retreat facility with modern amenities, hospitable & courteous staff. Those who have discovered the beauty of the place definitely come back – for the sacred space, the excellent service and the delicious food.
We invite you to come and imbibe the spirit of the place in this sacred abode within the city.
Retreat Directors
Fr. Albert Tan Kim Seong, SJ
He was ordained a priest on June 4, 2005. He is now the assistant to the Master of Novices (Malaysia-Singapore Region). He was parish priest of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. He studied at the Jesuit College of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction in Melbourne, Australia.
Fr. Christoper Dumadag, SJ
He was ordained a priest on April 12, 2003. He is the Superior of Sacred Heart Novitiate and Master of Novices (Malaysia-Singapore Region, Philippine and China Provinces). He worked for five years as a member of the formation team of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, in Cagayan de Oro City. He had his training at the Loyola University Maryland, the Jesuit Center of Spirituality in Wernersville, Pennsylvania and St. Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre in North Wales, U.K..
Fr. Danilo Gozar, SJ
He was ordained a priest on March 25, 1988. In 1990 he began giving directed retreats at the Cebu Jesuit Retreat House. He is the most senior and most experienced among the Philippine Province Jesuits who are active in giving the Spiritual Exercises on a full-time basis.
Fr. Jose Mari Manzano, SJ
He was ordained a priest on April 14, 2012. He is now assigned as a full-time retreat giver. Prior to being assigned in Sacred Heart Novitiate he was a parish priest of Nuesrta Sra. De Guadalupe Parish in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon Mission District.
Fr. Josenilo G. Labra, SJ
He was ordained a priest on April 7, 2001. He is now the Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Retreat House, House Minister and assistant to the Master of Novices (Philippine Province). His former assignments were Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan University and St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Miarayon Bukidnon. Prior to being assigned in Sacred Heart Novitiate he was Superior of the Bukidnon Mission District and Director of Jesuit Retreat House Malaybalay.
Fr. Paulini Zhai, SJ
He was ordained a priest on April 25, 2013. He is now the assistant to the Master of Novices (Malaysia-Singapore Region, Philippine and China Provinces). He finished his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) at the Loyola School of Theology (LST), Ateneo de Manila Campus, Quezon City.
