Having been a member of CSIL over three years as Director of Formation and now the Director of the school for ten months, Fr. Calisto remain to have faith in God’s providence. As he said, he always prays before God, in everything he does. “I ask God to watch over my duties and help me accomplish the responsibilities I have been assigned to.”
As he continued explained “being ordained as a Jesuit was like saying yes to whatever task is assigned as mandated by our vow of obedience made from the Jesuit Superior in the region.” Earlier this year, in January, Fr. Calisto began his role as Director at CSIL, this path bringing him closer to the teachers, as he stated, “this position, bring me closer to teachers, allowing me to support them in understanding the Jesuit education system, particularly through the Ignatian formation that Jesuits continually integrate into their life.”
Before taking on the post of Director of CSIL, Fr. Calisto has fulfilled other mission as Director of Formation, where his communications were more connected with and focused on the students. In this context, he hoped to assist them in their path of establishing their genuine personal identity through the complete Ignatian formation provided to them.
As Fr. Calisto declared, “the Jesuit education effort has a clear mission: to cultivate Timorese people who are thoroughly conscious of their cultures and values. This idea serves as the basis to nurture our students through Ignatian spirituality, integrating their faith with intellectual their education.”
Looking back for the students and alumni of CSIL, Fr. Calisto feeling grateful for their family to trust the school accompany their children in learning process in terms of their educations and spirituality, “I am grateful that CSIL has achieved the trust of parents to help their children improve their character, discipline, and awareness of positive attitudes and behaviors. The mechanism of CSIL is intended to assist students in recognizing their own identities. Understanding oneself has a good impact on every aspect of their lives. These individuals are intellectually gifted, and CSIL enables them to successfully manage their life and prioritize their everyday chores. Discipline is required for children to acquire and apply principles such as leadership and personal care (cura personalist), which includes comprehending the living conditions of others.”
He genuinely enjoys seeing the teachers accompany students and give them space to express themselves. He said, “One of our goals is for CSIL to be an oasis of safety for students and teachers, a home where they can feel ownership and responsibility.
The CSIL aims to demonstrate to students how to grow and strengthen their faith because, as St. Ignatius stated, ‘it is critical for individuals to know God in a world full of secularization and alternatives.’ “We assist young people understand who God is in their life by providing a safe environment in which they can be themselves, learn, form friendships, and find solutions to issues. Our mission is to develop individuals into “men and women for others,” who are prepared to serve others, society, and the Church.” Fr. Calisto explained.
While they have had countless triumphs, they are also facing several obstacles, particularly as when he negotiates the increased responsibilities of being a director. Fr. Calisto stating “leading and making decisions involve discernment, and putting God first is the most effective method to find the proper answers for decision-making.”
He prays that CSIL’s teachers will continue to carry out their responsibilities with commitment. “Because if we don’t enjoy what we’re doing, we’ll be exhausted and unhappy with what we do.”
For the last reminder for his students, “Study hard because everything that happens depends on our efforts but pray harder because all things come according to the grace of our Lord. And for my all teachers, continue to study, and update your knowledge especially when it comes to technological advancement.” [Source: Fr. Calisto Seco, SJ] [Editor: Iriana- ETR CDA]