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Embracing the Sacred Path: A Jesuits Novice’s Journey in Timor-Leste

In today’s modern world, heavily influenced by various technological advancements and modernization trends, the allure of these changes captivates nearly everyone. However, amidst this clamor for progress, there exists a novice Jesuit in Timor-Leste who perceives a deeper calling. For him, the pursuit of worldly advancements pales in comparison to his profound love for God and his unwavering desire to serve as a vessel of divine grace, living a life of holiness guided by the spiritual teachings of Saint Ignatius of Loyola with God’s plan for his life.

Jesuit novice, Edito Seixas dos Santos, a Timorese youth from the municipality of Ermera, became familiarize with the Jesuits in 2016 when Jesuit priests from Nossa Senhora de Fatima (NOSSEF), a high school in Railaco, conducted promotional activities related to the Society of Jesus at his school, EBC 1º de Abril junior high school in Ermera. NOSSEF is a high school run by Jesuit priests. Edito successfully graduated from NOSSEF in 2019. Shortly thereafter, he applied to become a Jesuit candidate and resided at Caza Gonzaga in Dili. During his candidacy, he also pursued studies at Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB) from 2020 to 2023.

During his studies at NOSSEF, Edito Seixas dos Santos, nSJ. observed the Jesuit priests closely and witnessed their commitment to holiness. He observed how they served God with humility, diligently updating their projects and missions established in Timor, particularly in Ermera. He noted their efforts in healing the sick and providing education to others, all while administering sacraments to the community. Notably, he recognized their emphasis on freedom, both in their own service to God and in empowering others to do the same.

“The decision that made me braver to embark on this journey of becoming a Jesuit was witnessing the exemplary lives of the Jesuit priests. I observed their unwavering dedication to serving God, and most importantly, they exemplified the freedom found in serving Him. Through these observations, I felt God’s calling to serve Him and to help others feel His presence. These thoughts were fundamental in my decision to be part of this mission and to follow God’s will.” Explained Edito, nSJ.

Edito Seixas dos Santos, nSJ. feels grateful to be part of this journey despite the surprises and complexities that often arise in the Jesuit environment. He finds it rich with spiritual significance. Therefore, in 2023, he applied for the next stage to participate in Novitiate formation. This decision reflects his desire to continue exploring what the Jesuit order can offer him, to deepen his spiritual life, and to fully dedicate his life to God throughout this transformative process.

“During this novitiate training, I came to realize the complexities of the vocation. However, as time progressed, I adapted and gained a deeper understanding of why these requirements are necessary. They ultimately guided me to the realization that it was time to leave behind worldly attachments and fully dedicate my life to God, surrendering everything to Him completely.” explained the novice, Edito.

As he continued his journey through these formations as a novice, he experiences spiritual growth every day, acknowledging his imperfections as a sinner. Edito shares, “The Physio-Psycho-Spiritual Integration (PPSI) formation program has been instrumental in my novitiate journey,” he attested. The “PPSI”, is a comprehensive formation program that comprise reflections, exercises, prayers and sharing of experiences, aimed at deepening one’s self-awareness through the five steps process of: greater awareness of the self, understanding oneself, accepting our reality, and through these; the deepening of our commitment to live our lives in God’s Ways, by integrating and centering our lives around Jesus, and the Triune God. As a novice, Edito is blessed to receive this program through the guidance of Fr. Philip Heng, SJ, the present Novice Master in Timor-Leste.

Novice Edito, nSJ, find the challenging when he realizes that his understanding of catechisms is unclear and lacks depth, as there is time, he merely recites prayers without engaging emotionally or reflecting on their significance. It’s as though he prays mechanically, without truly grasping its importance. He shared this reflective experience, “As a novice, I often find myself fluctuating in my perspectives about God. However, I realized that a contemplative prayer leads me into a deeper spiritual conversation with God who is the Source of Life.

Let us pray for novice Edito to gain greater clarity in his vision for the future and to serve as a beacon of inspiration for others. As a young individual who has already devoted his life to God, we pray that he may fulfill His mission within the Jesuit community, embarking on a journey of holiness and guiding his peers towards sanctity. May his prayers be directed towards becoming a shepherd of God’s flock and uplifting others in their spiritual journey. We hope that the region will offer its support and guidance as then he traverses this path, recognizing the importance of collaborating with God’s plan for his life.

According to him, the initial step towards salvation is accepting Christ’s Body and Blood, which necessitates attending Mass and engaging in other sacraments offered by the church.

Novice Edito, urges young people to draw nearer to the church and strengthen their belief in God.  He emphasizes the importance of participating in the Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation or “Confession”, as they are essential in one’s faith journey.

By: ETR Communications.