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More than a Decade Journey to the Society of Jesus of Fr. Nelinho Alves, SJ

From initially lacking knowledge about the concept of religious congregations, particularly in distinguishing priests among different orders, to ultimately engaging in the Jesuits Mission and being ordained as a priest of the Society of Jesus, a journey has been driven by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of this context.

Come and meet Fr. Nelinho Maria Jose Alves, SJ also known as Father Arow, SJ, a 38-year-old native of Ermera. Despite not initially planning to embark on the journey of becoming a member of the Society of Jesus, it was through God’s plan that he found himself living as a Jesuit priest. His journey began when his friend Samuel, a former Jesuit candidate, presented him with 40 brochures during a festival called “Kruz Joven Festive” in Maubisse, Ainaro. Father Arow, SJ together with his friends, was representing the Ermera municipality at the event.

Upon returning to Ermera, he generously distributed all the brochures to his family and friends, reserving only one copy for himself.

“After distributing the brochures, I retained one for myself. At one point, I casually glanced at its contents only to realize, to my dismay, that the registration deadline was only two days away. A heavy sense of worry settled in my heart. Motivated by this sudden awareness, I earnestly sought out information on how to join the Jesuits. The following day, I approached Father Samuel (Dijon) SJ, a Jesuit missionary for the Railaco parish, and shared my concerns with him. In our conversation, he kindly guided me on the path to becoming a Jesuit candidate, even though I didn’t fully grasp the implications of what it meant to be a Jesuit at that time.” – Father Nelinho (Arow) SJ, recounted.

Following that conversation, he resolved to pursue candidacy with the Jesuits. However, facing the constraint of a looming two-days deadline and lacking clarity on where to initiate the application process, he encountered significant challenges. Despite multiple attempts, he struggled to make progress. On the final day, a relative came to his aid, guiding him to the Jesuits Residence in Taibesi where he successfully completed the registration process.

“After completing the registration, I successfully passed the written test. Subsequently, I advanced to the interview stage, and while awaiting the outcome, I held onto hope that I would be accepted as a Jesuit candidate. However, the news I received from my family was not encouraging, as they did not believe in my decision to pursue studies for priesthood, except for my older brother and his spouse, who have steadfastly supported me since the inception of my journey.” – Father Arow, SJ.

Fr. Arow, SJ further elaborates, “In 2011, I formally commenced my novitiate and resided at Lahane Montserrat for a year. The following year, in 2012, I professed my first vows at the Immaculate Conception Church in Balide Parish. Concurrently, I journeyed to Indonesia to pursue further studies as a Jesuit Scholastic.”

Father Arow’s journey of unexpectedly becoming a priest and participating in the Jesuit Mission underscores the profound truth that God’s plan often surprises us. It teaches us that the path guided by the Holy Spirit transcends human logic and imagination. We come to understand that God meticulously designs a unique path for each individual according to His divine will. Therefore, it is essential for us to remain open and prepared to walk the journey that God has destined for us.

Father Arow’s journey of unexpectedly becoming a priest and participating in the Jesuit Mission underscores the profound truth that God’s plan often surprises us. It teaches us that the path guided by the Holy Spirit transcends human logic and imagination. We come to understand that God meticulously designs a unique path for each individual according to His divine will. Therefore, it is essential for us to remain open and prepared to walk the journey that God has destined for us.

From 2013 to 2016, Father Arow, SJ pursued his studies in India alongside other scholastics, specializing in Bio-Technology with a focus on plantations, and earning a Bachelor’s degree in the field. In 2016, he briefly returned to Timor to visit his family before resuming his studies in India to pursue Philosophy, ultimately obtaining a Master’s degree. Following a challenging journey, he eventually returned to Timor-Leste to fulfill his apprenticeship in Philosophy at the São João de Brito Institute (ISJB) within the Jesuit context, known as ‘Magister.’ Upon completion, Father Arow, SJ continued to apply his studies in Theology.

In accordance with the Jesuit context, each stage of formation involves submitting official letters to their Superiors for discernment and observation of the referenced individuals before decisions are made. Father Arow, SJ, has successfully completed all applications and concluded his theology studies in Brazil in 2023. Presently, he is engaged in pastoral work at Railaco Parish alongside fellow teachers, assuming responsibility for Jesuit candidates.

“After solemnly taking three vows—’Chastity, Poverty, Obedience’—I resolved to surrender everything to God, even amidst feelings of emptiness. In this void, I chose to fill it with love, particularly for God, whom I trust wholeheartedly to guide my spiritual journey.” – Fr. Arow, SJ.

In addition to taking the vows, Father Arow embarked on a pilgrimage during his novitiate, where he came to realize that God constantly watches over us, emphasizing the importance of seeking Him first. Throughout the pilgrimage, Father Arow experienced the profound presence and providence of God, inspiring the theme of his ordination: “God will set His eyes upon us.” During the 30-days retreat for novices, he delved deeper into his belief in Jesus and attuning himself to the voice of the Holy Spirit. This pivotal moment significantly enriched his faith, affirming that God reveals Himself through Christ.

Father Arow, SJ, extends his heartfelt gratitude to his family, especially his older brother and sister-in-law, for Father Joaquim, SJ, and Father Divio, SJ. for their steadfast support, during the Novitiate process. He also wishes to express special appreciation to his colleague and relative, Ms. Agusta for their collaborative efforts at ISJB, and to Bella for her assistance in meal preparation. Above all, he is deeply thankful to all his colleagues and relatives for their unwavering support and encouragement.

By: ETR Communications