February was a very blessed month for our community of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It was a time of blessing that we welcomed 10 new students of theology as part of our Centro de Formação Inter-Provincial (CIF) community—a milestone of our shared process of faith and formation. This new arrival added a new chapter not only to them but also to all of us as we received new ways of thinking, new friendships, and a strong sense of communal change. To celebrate this special occasion, we held a festive barbecue party, a day of laughter, brotherhood, and honest talk. These are the moments that remind us that formation is not just about hard scholarly work but also about forming friendships that strengthen our vocation and mission.
As the month progressed, we started our intensive study of the Gospel of Matthew and the Catholic Epistles. We were conscious from the beginning that these studies would involve deep reflection, mental labor, and spiritual openness. The books we studied not only enriched our theological understanding but also challenged us to implement their teachings in our daily lives. By God’s grace, we embraced these challenges, motivating each other during the intense study sessions. Matthew’s Gospel, wherein Jesus is perceived as the realization of the Scriptures, called us to reflect on discipleship and mission in contemporary society. The Catholic Epistles, on the other hand, with their pragmatic sense, taught us to endure patiently, be faith-filled and obedient, and to be committed to the community. These studies were not an intellectual exercise, but a call to further our spirituality and to undergo preparation for upcoming pastoral ministry.
Among the standout points of the month was our regional superior’s visit, Fr. Erick John G., SJ. It was a gift for us all since it provided time for dialogue, reflection, and guidance. Fr. Erick’s visit was not only a formal session; it was also a time of profound bonding, where we could share our experiences, challenges, and aspirations freely. We were all able to express ourselves and our anxieties, and thus there was a very rich sharing of thoughts. His attentive listening and thoughtful responses convinced us about the importance of lending support to one another in our formation journey. He reminded us that we are not isolated, but belong to a greater mission beyond ourselves.
The most memorable part of his visit for me was the celebration of Mass in Tetum and in Portuguese. It was a multilingual Mass, and it was so lovely—a reminder of the universal nature of our faith—how it transcends language, culture, and nationality. As we prayed together, we felt the profound sense of solidarity that binds us brothers in Christ, committed to working for His people in different fields. Following Mass, we shared a reflective discussion on the realities of our mission, the problems we face, and the aspirations we have for the future. Fr. Erick presented to us the apostolic plan for our region, challenging us to deepen our studies and formation so that we are better prepared for the service that awaits us. His message was a challenge as much as it was an encouragement, reminding us of the work that is ahead of us as future pastors, theologians, and missionaries.
Though we closed Fr. Erick’s visit with a community dinner, our hearts were filled with thanksgiving and inspiration. The camaraderie we experienced, the learning we gained, and the inspiration we received will remain with us as we continue along the way. In looking back on these experiences, I would go so far as to liken that Fr. Erick’s presence was a visitation of Mary to Elizabeth—a time of inconceivable delight and rich spiritual significance. While Elizabeth was overflowing with the Holy Spirit when Mary visited her, our hearts were elevated by Fr. Erick’s presence, wisdom, and brotherhood.
Our hope is that the discussion we engaged in and the questions we asked will be a point of consideration for the future. Likewise, we are confident that Fr. Erick too learned from this encounter—lessons to direct the mission in our region. Moving forward, we do so with renewed enthusiasm, faith, and commitment. The road ahead may be challenging, but we are confident that, by God’s grace and through the assistance of our community, we will just continue to grow and serve with dedication.
By: Sch. Nelson Marques, SJ