Greetings from Manila,
Today marks one month after the conclusion of our Juniorate formation. It has been sometime since I wrote about the beginning of my Juniorate formation months ago. Looking back on nearly a year in the Juniorate, I can truly say that I have been shaped, challenged, and inspired by our sessions on arts, politics, media, literature, and most especially, the theatrical play featuring the “The Conference of the Birds” wrote by a Sufi poet, Farid-uddin Attar.
This play recounts the arduous journey of the birds in search of their true King, Simorgh, their Creator. Their pilgrimage was marked by harshness of the desert and the uncertainties of Simorgh’s existence. Yet, under the guidance of Hoopoe, the birds persevered in finding the ultimate Truth and Way. In the end, everything was done in the name of Love and by Living His ideal. As Hoopoe said: “Love loves difficult things. It sets fire to our hearts.” In many ways, I believe this mirrors our own journey where our hearts are always filled with the fire of Love that makes every journey possible.
After a demanding semester, all of the Jesuits in Philippine Province were invited to gather in Baguio from May 19 to 23, in order to rest, reflect and relate. The Province Villa was filled with endless memories of the past, shared prayers, and loving laughter echoed across the Mirador Retreat House. It was a meaningful few rest days, and it also gave us an opportunity to reunite with Fr. Erik John J. Gerilla, our Regional Superior, and Fr. Lester Maramara who had worked earlier in East Timor for a few years. It was a grace-filled reunion that perfectly embodied the Villa’s theme: “Memory Unlocked: Chill and Thrill.”
Like apostles whom Jesus asked to descend from the mountain, we too were called to descend from Mirador, in order to prepare the Ordination of our three deacons at Loyola House of Studies. Everyone generously gave of themselves fully for the preparation and, as result, the ordination was a success and was solemnly felt by the congregation and the new priests.
Shortly after the busy preparations and celebrations, we were once again sent forth to different parts of the Philippines to begin our Summer Intersession or Immersion. On June 2nd, we were sent to five different parts in the Philippines: Davao, Cebu, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Naga City. Although we were dispersed, we still felt more united than ever, as we shared our experiences and laughter. Checking for each other’s wellbeing allowed us to feel connected and to be aware of unprecedented events such as earthquakes which occurred in many parts of the Philippines, in particular in Davao. Though the earthquake was certainly strong enough to give us concerns, we were particularly saddened by the passing of the two young basketball players from Ateneo de Manila University, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
While June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it also brought moments that tested our faith, resilience and commitment. For Jesuits in the Philippines, this month also brought seemingly endless challenges that tested our very hearts and the living up of our core value of Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.
In addition to the things I have mentioned, I am currently assigned in Naga City for my Summer Intersession together with Brothers Adrian and Lino. During these past weeks, I have had many opportunities to encounter many special people in the Divine Mercy Apostolate (an apostolate run by the MOP brothers), and in the Naga Jesuit Community, whose presence and shared joy has been edifying to me as a young Jesuit. And a couple more immersions are yet to take place during the rest of this month. We will be going back to Manila on July 2nd, followed by our annual 8-day retreats.
As I reflect on the past months, I am reminded of the birds in “The Conference of the Birds”. Their journey did not end with finding Simorgh; rather the journey transformed their understanding of themselves and their quest. Likewise, the end of our Juniorate formation is not an ending but the start of a deeper pilgrimage. As we move forward to a new stage of formation may we remain faithful to the love that first called us and courageous enough to follow wherever it leads.
AMDG.
Written by:
Sch. Novario Martins, SJ
Ps. If you like to watch our play, you may access it through this link: