Hello from Brazil! Antonito Martins, Domingos Gomes, and I are doing well here. In this June 2024 edition of the ETR newsletter, I’m excited to share a significant moment from my studies at Jesuit Faculty of Philosophy and Theology (FAJE). Our curriculum covers Fundamental Theology, the Gospel of Mark, the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Prophetic Books and, Christian Doctrine. (Portuguese; Teologia Fundamental, Evangelho de Marcos, Pentateuco, Livros Históricos, Livros Proféticos, and Fato Cristão). These subjects pose challenges in terms of history, context and application. And, through dedication, hard work, and effective time management, we can certainly master them.

One of the subjects that I find particularly interesting and thought-provoking is Christian Doctrine. A pivotal moment for me in this class was when I encountered a picture depicting Jesus Christ portrayed in various cultural representations—Black, White, Asian, African, European, Latin American, and more. This image taught me about the diverse cultures and backgrounds we all come from – thereby picturing Jesus Christ differently, emphasizing the importance of respecting and acknowledging each other despite our differences. 

Another mind-blowing situation occurred during a group discussion in Fato Cristão. A friend posed an intriguing question: Should our faith be centered on Jesus or on humanity? The consensus reached by the group was to prioritize Jesus first, then humanity. This question struck a chord with me because humanity transcends caste, color, sex, country, and religion. Therefore, our faith should be anchored in both as our acts of charity inherently serve humanity. Personally, I believe it’s essential not only to delve into the study of Jesus but also to explore the intricacies of humanity itself. Humanity should occupy a central place in our studies because our essence is often challenged by factors such as religion, gender, and our cultural and personal identities. Understanding and embracing our own identities and origins enable us to better understand and embrace others. I firmly believe that my studies will be valuable for my future ministry work. Following my academic journey, I aspire to contribute to justice by actively practicing it and to promote faith through living a devout life. These subjects hold a crucial meaning for our future mission. I feel privileged to study at FAJE, where I gain profound insights into matters of faith, justice, and beyond. [Shc. Nelson Marques, SJ]