Everyone’s formation takes on a new rhythm, aligning daily activities with structured schedules and the passage of time. There is a time for prayer, a time for school, a time for recreation, a time for Holy Mass, a time for community recollection, and a time to engage with people in the apostolate. This rhythm of life helps individuals grow spiritually, academically, and in their relationships with themselves, others, and God.
Just two weeks ago, the LHS community welcomed a new scholastic from the East Timor Region (ETR). They arrived on Friday, the 24th. They seem happy and excited to begin the new journey. They are still adjusting to the new environment, culture, and food. Meanwhile, some LHS brothers are assisting them with visa processing. They have also started intensive English courses at the Loyola School of Theology (LST). In addition, they join us in our apostolate every Saturday and Sunday, visiting hospitals, prisons, communities, and various organizations.
Other Timorese, Jack and Jonas, are now in their second semester of the Juniorate program. They are quite busy with studies, artwork, workshops, and preparing for a play at the end of this semester. Bony and João, on the one hand, in their third year of philosophy studies, are preparing for academic battles—writing papers and defending their theses. Though busy, they are happy and looking forward to returning to East Timor to begin their regency. Scholastic Apu, now in his fourth year of theology, is preparing for his ordination as a deacon in 2025.
I am in my first year of philosophy studies. I feel the hustle and bustle of academics and apostolate programs, but I am grateful for this opportunity to learn. Despite the many subjects, assignments from school, and responsibilities in the house, I remain grateful and energetic in fulfilling all these requirements. Academic studies and formation help me use my time wisely in this modern era. I strive to learn new things for the mission of the Society of Jesus. My personal motto is “TUDO POR JESUS”—everything I learn from studies, formation, and apostolate is for Christ.
I became a Jesuit because of Jesus, and therefore, everything I do and say must be for Him. Without Jesus, I might have become skeptical and selfish, but because of Him, I am here today as a Jesuit. In His name, I take risks and do my best for Him. Every day, I cry out to Jesus:
“Change my heart to be yours—a heart that is compassionate, generous, and loving.”
At Loyola House of Studies, I look up to the fathers, eager to listen and learn from them. They have lived the Jesuit life for many years, dedicating their lives, energy, knowledge, and experience to serving the Kingdom of God within the Society of Jesus. I had the opportunity to speak with one of the fathers on my channel, “HEAN BA KLEAN.” He said, “What more can I say about Jesus? He has done everything for me. Now, I must speak about what He has done in my life.”
His words moved me to tears. I realized that I often ask the Lord for grace, yet I have failed to testify to all the goodness He has done for me. I felt regretful and saddened by this realization. However, it is not too late. I want to be His instrument, to communicate His love to others. I desire to reach out to many people and share what Jesus has done for them. I don’t want to wait—I want to speak about Him here and now.
“Lord, I am yours. Use me as your instrument to reach out to others.”
Last Monday, January 27, we held a small celebration to welcome five scholastics—Danilo, Felix, Amon, Novario, and Eugenio. We were joined by Father Joanico Doutel from the Diocese of Maliana. Then Wednesday, February 5, we had holy mass with Fr. Erik John J. Gerilla, SJ, the Superior of East Timor Region. After mass, we also had dinner with him, who was accompanied by Father Niko and two Filipino brothers, Johnmar and Bien, SJ.
Obrigado wain
Maromak Haraik Bensaun ba ita hotu.
By: Scholastic Trosilio Antonio de Jesus