I arrived in Brazil at the end of December, 2023 with Nelson. Soon after our arrival I perceived everything especially as mysterious from the language, culture, my life and of course theological courses offered in Faculdade Jesuíta de Filosofia e Teologia (FAJE). This perception impels my soul to seek for deeper meaning in my life and to dive into the Lord’s mystery. This mystery is the core of my belief. I took part in the Lord’s mystery for two great celebrations in the Church; the Nativity of the Lord and the Easter. In those great celebrations, though everything still seemed mysterious, yet deep down in my heart, I am convinced that our Lord is always present in my life – His presence sometimes cannot be perceived by the mind.

Presently I am doing theological courses in FAJE, where the means of communication and teaching is Portuguese. The language which I humbly admit that I don’t comprehend so well. I am also studying a science that reflects on God’s mystery, which makes it more challenging to grasp. While reflecting God’s mystery and my life, I remembered two significant experiences – an affirmation and a question.

First, occasionally some of my classmates told me that I am “the only foreigner who doesn’t speak Portuguese, even though his official language is Portuguese. Second, “how will you understand theology if you don’t understand the language?” The question and statement apply to me and most probably to all other Timorese as well. Certainly, both are constructive criticisms to reflect on the importance of the language. What is Timor-Leste’s official language? What were the intentions and reasons of our heroes who opted and wrote in a Sacred Constitution of Timor-Leste for the Portuguese Language be the official language? It’s probably not merely a decoration to be placed in National Museum. The selection of National Language of the first government should bring hope to the new generation of the country.

I believe that language is an identity and culture because it shapes the way one thinks – a healthy mind produces a strong and quality society.

Although everything still seems mysterious, I believe that the Lord is present in our lives and our reality. Whenever I don’t seem to comprehend certain matters, I turn to Mother Mary and St. Joseph to learn from their hearts – that is life. When one doesn’t understand a reality, then let the heart love it in silence. The heart has its means of loving which mind doesn’t understand – Blade Pascal. Through the invaluable experiences of Mary and Joseph, who experienced God’s mysterious love in their hearts – I learned that many lessons in life cannot only be attained with the minds, certain reality can be cultured and cultivated with our hearts, because they enhance our beings and inspire us to understand our human reality in the mysterious world.

My classmates in theological class in FAJE are doctors, engineers, electricians, and experienced people in their 50s and beyond. This diversity of individuals helps me to comprehend better the Abraham Maslow’s theory on “the hierarchy of needs”. Now I understand better the difference between Timorese society and other developed societies in different parts of the world. The gap between Timorese society and other developed societies is so great. In all sectors such as: education, social, economics, faith, and even in Jesuit’s mission, Timor-Leste is way far behind. Lots of efforts need to be hugely invested and paid attention to. Each country has its challenges, but my beloved country Timor has an enormous task to do and learn from other developed countries.

Another experience is in my pastoral ministry. The church in Brazil is almost led by the lay people who are actively engaged in the missions and other pastoral programs. They are greatly motivated and have immense yearnings and desires to serve the Lord. This reality triggers a deep thought and reflection in me that even if the world changes, God’s Words will not. God still moves people in different ways to proclaim His Good News.

Even though the first semester of theology is over, many things still seem mysterious. Life goes on and my heart continues to learn and am mesmerized by the wonder of the Lord, who is present in our reality.

By: Sch. Domingos Gomes, SJ – a Jesuit Scholastic in Brazil