Dear Friends in Christ,

I am thrilled to share with you the profound experiences and insights I gained during my recent two-months home visit to East Timor. This journey was not only a return to my homeland but also a deeply enriching period of learning, personal growth, and spiritual renewal that has significantly shaped my vocation as a Jesuit.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to God for His boundless grace and love, which guided me throughout this journey. Every encounter and experience during these two months felt like a divine blessing, offering me a deeper understanding of our mission and a renewed commitment to my path.

I also extend my deepest thanks to the Society of Jesus, especially to my superiors and formators, whose generosity and support made this journey possible. Their trust and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my experience, allowing me to grow both spiritually and personally.

My journey began in Loyola Taibesi, where Fr. Julio, SJ graciously introduced me to the work of the Jesuit Social Service (JSS) mission. This first week was a powerful introduction to the tangible impact of our mission. I met with the people served by JSS and collaborated with our dedicated colleagues in the Treasurer and Communication offices. These encounters deepened my appreciation for the dedication and hard work required to serve our communities effectively.

In the following weeks, I was assigned to the Railaco mission, where I spent two transformative weeks assisting in the school, dormitory and parish. The warmth and trust extended to me by the community were both humbling and inspiring. Their welcoming spirit motivated me to embrace my responsibilities fully and contribute meaningfully to their mission.

My journey continued in Kasait, where I spent the final two weeks of my visit. I stayed at Montserrat and worked at Loyola, immersing myself in the vibrant life of our educational mission. Witnessing the commitment of the Jesuits, staff, and students at Loyola and Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB) was a great experience. Seeing firsthand how our institutions educate and guide young people to serve our country deeply inspired me and strengthened my commitment to my vocation.

Beyond my mission work, my visit was also a precious opportunity to reconnect with my family after three long years. Spending time with my parents, siblings and extended family was a source of immense joy and comfort. Listening to their stories, sharing in their struggles, and simply being present with them was a gift I will cherish forever.

However, this time was also marked by moments of sorrow, as I reflected on the loss of relatives who passed away while I was here in Manila. The sadness of these losses served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones.

As I reflect on this two-month home visit, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and purpose. This journey has reinforced my commitment to my studies and to preparing myself for future missions as a Jesuit. The experiences I gained have inspired me to fully dedicate myself to my formation, knowing that I am called to serve with even greater love and devotion.

I hope my experiences resonate with you and inspire a deeper connection to our shared mission. I look forward to continuing this journey with your support and guidance, as I strive to grow in my vocation and serve our communities with all my heart.

With deepest gratitude and best wishes….

Marcos Apu (Jesuit Scholastic) Arrupe International Residence – Philippines