ETR Formation Cluster 2026
The last two days of February marked an important moment for Jesuit formators in the East Timor Region as they gathered for the ETR Formation Cluster 2026. The meeting brought together those responsible for accompanying Jesuit candidates, novices, and scholastics in order to reflect on their shared mission.
The gathering was led by Fr. Erik John J. Gerilla, SJ, the Regional Superior of the Jesuits in the East Timor Region. In the spirit of the Ignatian tradition, the meeting began with prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit to guide the discussions so that the reflections and decisions would follow God’s will and contribute to His greater glory.
Sharing Experiences in Formation
The first session began with a check-in among the Jesuit formators. Each participant was invited to reflect on three guiding questions: how they and the formands they accompany are doing, the milestones they are proud of in 2025, and the challenges they encountered during the year.
Each participant had an opportunity to share their experiences. The attendees included: Fr. Philip Heng, SJ (Novice Master/Director), Fr. Edgerio Martins, SJ (Juniorate Formator), Fr. Luis Pereira, SJ (Delegate for Formation), Fr. Herculano Pereira Moniz, SJ (Jesuit Vocation Promoter), Fr. Joaquim Sarmento, SJ (Member of Formation Committee), Fr. Marito Monteiro, SJ (Delegate for Regents), and Fr. Nelinho Alves, SJ (Jesuit Candidate Director).
During the sharing, several formators expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the mission of formation and to accompany young Jesuits in their journey. Reflecting on his experience, Fr. Edgerio Martins, SJ shared his sense of gratitude: “I am grateful to God for the vocations—for the experience as a priest and as a Jesuit.”
Another moment of consolation was expressed by Fr. Luis Pereira, SJ, as he recalled his recent encounters with scholastics both in the Philippines and in Timor. “In my work as delegate for formation, especially in my last meetings with scholastics in the Philippines and in our country, I listened to their stories, talked with them, saw them grow, and witnessed their changes,” he shared.
Reflecting on the Profile of Timorese Jesuits
Following the sharing session, the participants reflected on the theme “Mission Goals of Formation: Profile of Formed Timorese Jesuits.”
Fr. Luis Pereira, SJ highlighted the importance of helping Jesuits in formation understand each stage of their journey. “The challenge is how they understand and have the capacity to absolve every stage of formation. It is important to learn what formation offers, because it can contribute to forming the ideal profile of a Jesuit,” he explained.
He also reflected on the importance of maturity in discernment, especially when circumstances require flexibility or changes in direction.
Fr. Herculano Pereira Moniz, SJ, also known as Fr. Lan, SJ, emphasized the importance of faithfully implementing formation plans for Jesuits in Formation. “Implementing what we have planned may take a lifetime of formation. Yet through this process we continue to grow, developing new thoughts and preferences,” he noted. “There is an opportunity to go deeper and seek the meaning of being a Jesuit, rather than simply checking a list of requirements.”
The Importance of Prayer Life
Fr. Joaquim Sarmento, SJ, drawing from his experience as a former Regional Superior, highlighted the central importance of prayer for a Jesuit. He noted that in the Timorese context, developing a strong personal prayer life remains challenging.
“One important aspect, especially for Timor, is prayer life. Once a person leaves the novitiate, we hope that he is free enough to pray alone,” he explained. “Here in Timor, prayer is very common, but when a person prays alone, it can still be challenging.”
Formation for Leadership and Governance
On the second day, February 28, the meeting focused on the theme “Personal Program, Portfolio and Action Plan on Formation for Leadership and Governance.” Cf: JCB (Jesuit Conference Board) 55; Ad Gubernandum. The participants reflected on how formation can prepare future Jesuit leaders who are capable of guiding communities and serving the mission of the Church.
Fr. Sarmento emphasized several key competencies that should be developed among Jesuit scholastics. These include “cultivating the virtues of generosity and openness, as well as practical leadership skills such as the ability to presiding over meetings”.
The gathering concluded with an Ingatian Examen of Conscience aimed at recalling what had been discussed and shared among them.
May God continue to guide the Jesuit formators and those in formation in the East Timor Region, so that all may serve with generosity and dedication, doing all things for the greater glory of God.
Written by:
Iriana Soares, ETR Communications Officer