In his early education during the initial phase, a young man has aspirations of becoming a priest. However, he struggled to find a life path that would lead him to fulfill his dreams. Get to know Jesuit novice, Leolino Alves Madeira Barros, nSJ, now 26 years old, from the municipality of Liquiça, Timor-Leste. His journey took a significant turn when he became a MAG+Ser.
In 2019, Leolino, nSJ applied for MAG+S formation after witnessing the transformation of some colleagues who had completed the program. Despite not fully comprehending what MAG+S entailed initially, he was attracted by the positive changes he observed in the members’ lifestyles, character, and spiritual growth post-MAG+S. Consequently, he joined the MAG+S formation program and eventually became a magiser himself. Throughout the six-month formation period, he delved into understanding the existence of the Jesuits, their missions, and what they offer to the youth.
Following his own transformation as a magiser, Leolino, nSJ. took on the role of a MAG+S facilitator, aiming to guide and inspire the youth participants from 2019 to 2022. He earned the trust of of Fr. Encarnaçao Roberto Madeira, SJ, and fellow magisers, who entrusted him with coordinating the MAG+S program’s structure and content. Additionally, he assumed the responsibility of a team leader for one and a half years, providing guidance and support to young individuals in their spiritual journey and personal development.
Through his experiences in MAG+S, Leolino discovered and began to contemplate the meaning of his existence and the purpose of his life, in this world. As he explained, “Through this journey, I revisited my vocation story and realized that God was inspiring me and once again nurturing the fruitfulness of my calling.”
With this newfound understanding, Leolino, nSJ endeavored to discern whether his calling to priesthood was indeed from God or merely a passing fancy. Consequently, he explored various avenues by working in different institutions. Beginning in 2020, he joined the Ministry of Education, specifically the Directorate of Education Media, where he served as a chemistry teacher and tutor. During his tenure, he also spearheaded the creation of a television program. After nearly two years in this role, he transitioned to UNESCO, where he contributed his expertise in research in to the laboratory. Seeking deeper fulfillment and a confirmation of his vocation, he eventually returned to Liquiça. Throughout this journey, Leolino, nSJ, embraced diverse opportunities and tasks in his quest to ascertain God’s calling and find the joy he sought.
During this time, he sought counsel from his family. Recounting their conversation, he stated, “We believe you should opt for the opportunity to become a Jesuit novice. Ultimately, this is where you belong, and despite other tempting paths, you’ll eventually realize that this is what truly brings you happiness.” As previously mentioned, Leolino, nSJ indeed chose to become a novice, commencing his journey in May 2023 at Lahane Manresa Dili, where he remains to this day.
“I feel torn when faced with numerous opportunities, unsure of which path to choose,” explained Leolino, nSJ.” After completing my candidacy formation program at Caza Gonzaga in six months, from July to October 2022, I applied for the “Live-out program”. However, just three months later, Father Roberto SJ invited me to apply for the Live-in program, which entails residing with other candidates at Caza Gonzaga. Concurrently, I pursued my application for Novitiate formation, and by March 2023, after three interviews with Jesuits, I learned that I had been accepted as a Jesuit novice. Yet, amidst this, I also received an enticing opportunity to work in Australia as a seasonal laborer and was offered a scholarship to study abroad. This situation has truly left me in a dilemma.”
The Society of Jesus in the East Timor Region rejoices in the decision he has made, as he desires to participate in God’s mission, cultivate a relationship with God, and discern His plan for Leolino, our novice. Despite feeling initially overwhelmed, with his brief six months formation at Caza Gonzaga as a Jesuit candidate, he finds himself facing many challenges to grow as a person in the novitiate formation.
“I am deeply grateful for this calling; it is the vocation that God has offered me. Who am I to say no to God’s call?”
“As I continue to journey through the novitiate formation, I see it as a period where Jesuits strive for excellence in their spiritual life, living in accordance with the Religious Order and dedicating significant time to this invaluable opportunity. I am overjoyed to have chosen this path, as within this formation, I have acquired a profound overused spiritual formation that guides me towards living a life that is focused on trying to discern God’s Ways, as inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola, its founder. I notice a significant difference from my past experiences; this journey feels like the path to true happiness, as I have developed an intimate relationship with God. I can confidently say that I have discovered the happiness my heart has been yearning for. God is the focal point of my life, and the center of everything.” explained Leolino, nSJ.
He elaborated, “Ignatian Spirituality isn’t exclusive to Jesuits; it’s for everyone. Our hope is that in the forthcoming years, Jesuits in the East Timor Region can extend their mission to encompass other municipalities, fostering faith in them through Ignatian Spirituality. We pray for the Jesuits to become agents of peace and reconciliation in the world; enabling everyone to partake in God’s plan. Additionally, we pray for the Independent Region of Timor-Leste to continue guiding and serving as a beacon for candidates, novices, students, as well as youth and lay individuals, aiding them in discovering God’s mission in their lives and upholding the Ignatian spiritual formation.”
“I hope and pray that I can become a Jesuit who lives humbly, serving others, and above all, serving God selflessly,” expressed novice, Leolino. We also pray that the youth may possess a spirit that yearnsto live a life that is responsible and diligent; following God’s path in all they do.
By: ETR Communications