Almost one month after the Education Cluster meeting, from May 29–31, the Regional Superior convened all Jesuit formators in the region for the Formation Cluster meeting held at Salão St. John Paul II, Comoro, Dili. Attendees included Fr. Philip Heng, SJ (Novice Master), Fr. Edgerio Martins, SJ (Formator for Juniors and Novices), Fr. Marito Monteiro, SJ (in charge of Jesuit Regents as well as Socio of Novice master), Fr. Luis Pereira, SJ (responsible for all East Timor Jesuit Scholastics), Fr. Herculano Monis, SJ (active in promoting Jesuit vocations in Timor), and Fr. Nelino Alves (in charge of Casa Gonzaga and the Jesuit candidates).

This three-day meeting aimed to strengthen the faith journey of Jesuit scholastics in the East Timor Region. It focused on preparing them to become contemplatives in action—men deeply rooted in spiritual life, men of prayer, who love the Church, and who are compassionate and collaborative in mission. The ultimate goal is to form discerning leaders, ready to serve and glorify God in all aspects of life and ministry.

Key presentations during the meeting included:

• The formation program at the Novitiate Manresa, especially its activities aligned with the vision and mission of the East Timor Region.
• The presence and role of Jesuit Vocation Promotion in the region.
• The Candidacy Programs at Casa Gonzaga (both live-in and live-out formats).
• The formation of formators and the current state of the Society of Jesus in the East Timor Region.
• The characteristics of a well-formed Timorese Jesuit.
• Experience-sharing from new regents (Sch. Boni, SJ and Sch. João, SJ).
• Group presentations summarizing and consolidating key insights.

After engaging in in-depth discussions on all topics and agenda items, the formators—together with Fr. Erik John J. Gerilla, SJ, who served as both the cluster facilitator and Superior—reached a clear, unified vision to guide the formation of young Jesuits in Timor.

The next step, led by Fr. Luis Pereira, SJ as Commission Coordinator, will be to develop concrete programs and activities aligned with the East Timor Region’s five-year Apostolic Priorities:

• Service of Faith through Ignatian Spirituality and Sacramental Ministry
• Promotion of Human Dignity, Justice, and Moral Conscience through Education and holistic formation grounded in the Gospel
• Fostering Peace and Reconciliation among Timorese, with Christ as the foundation and through collaboration
• Empowering Timorese Families by cultivating Faith, Culture, and Identity
• Guardians of Creation through leadership in Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action

The next cluster meeting—Social and Communications Cluster—is scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 1.

[Writer: Iriana Soares–ETR Communications Officer]