As we come to the end of this year, we look back on the achievements, successes, milestones, blessings and graces that we have received through the hands of the many Jesuit collaborators God has used to transform the lives of the many Timorese people we have served throughout the year.
In this edition, we would like to introduce you to one of the teachers at Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB), a Teacher Training Institute in Kasait: Vicente Riocardo Freitas, also an alumnus of ISJB, who has served and helped many ISJB students through his presence and accompaniment.
“Working together as a team with the Jesuits as well as with other members of our school faculty reminds me every day of the importance of our role—which goes beyond teaching a lesson—to help develop people of conscience, compassion, and commitment”, he said.
“What I value the most in my collaboration with the Jesuits is the feeling of being part of a family and having a sense of a shared purpose. Another thing, though, that really draws me to being a Jesuit collaborator is our practice of starting our assemblies with a prayer. It reminds me of being part of God’s larger plan”, he added.
And it is clear that Prof. Vicente’s presence has a meaningful impact on his students. “In my tenure of three years at ISJB, I have observed how, together, our contributions have enabled our students to become not only good teachers but good human beings as well”.
For Prof. Vicente, one of his life goals is to encourage his students to find their voices and to help make a difference in other people’s lives. When he sees the students speak more confidently, or showing a deeper sense of gratitude, or simply caring for others, always gives him a sense of hope. “I think ISJB has an important role to play in Timor-Leste because it is forming future educators who will spread the Ignatian values of reflection, service, and excellence throughout the nation”, he stated.
After three years of serving at ISJB, Prof. Vicente feels that he has not only given to others but has also received much in return. “My experiences at ISJB have taught me patience, compassion, and collaboration. They have also helped me realise that serving in a Jesuit institution is not only about teaching, but also about accompanying others and walking along with others on their path”.
“My aspiration for our students is that they truly be ‘men and women for and with others’. It is my prayer that they will not forget the values they have learned in our school, particularly the value of the Magis, which denotes doing more for the glory of God”, he affirmed.
He also hopes that everyone who is part of this Jesuit institution can be an instrument of peace and justice in the community they are serving. For him, “ISJB is a home of formation where hearts and minds are shaped for others”.
“This experience of working among the Jesuits has also taught me to think more rigourously before making a decision, always asking myself, ‘What is the greater good in this situation?’ The approach to teaching that I have today has been shaped by the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm of context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation”.
Finally, Prof. Vicente looks forward to seeing his students walk up the stage on their graduation day. At that moment, all the struggles, exhaustion, and late nights will be well worth it!
Written by: Iriana Soares, ETR Communications Officer