INDONESIA − With a long history working in media in Indonesia, it is inevitable that Jesuit scholastics in Indonesia produce films as part of their formation. The scholastics are attached to Studio Audio Visual Puskat (SAV Puskat), the Jesuit established and run audio visual training and production centre in Sinduharjo, on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Jody Magtoto SJ was in Japan in May, helping in the relief effort for victims of the tsunami. He reflects on how he rediscovered his Jesuit identity in the midst of the rubble.
I had been in Kamaishi for two days by then. Because I had taken some courses in Japanese, I could sort of understand what was going on. But I came to realize that because my words and thoughts were in English, I could not articulate what I wanted to say. I decided then to keep my words to a minimum lest I offend or be misunderstood.
The Sisters of Charity hosted a summer educational programme at St. Gerosa’s Convent from March 15 to May 20, 2011. Titus Tin Maung recounts his experience of joining this workshop for the month of April.
Fr Jos. Hoang Van Quang SJ narrates a brief history of the Jesuit mission in Vietnam and makes an appeal for donations to support their work.
Although Christianity came to Vietnam in 1533, it was only when the Jesuits arrived in 1615 that the seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ spread throughout the country.
During his tertianship, Indonesian Jesuit Christoporus “Tito” Aria chose Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center for his two-week elective mission. He wanted to learn about the use of mother tongue in an elementary school for indigenous people. He shares his experience. … Continued
On December 11, 2010 Fr General appointed Fr Rene Repole (PHI) as Rector of Arrupe International Residence. He took office last February 9. Fr Rene used to be the rector of St John Vianney Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. He took over Fr Koichi Matsumoto (JPN), who now continues to recover from his illness.
Sch Ladislas Nsengiyumva (CHN) joined the Scholastics and Brothers-in-Formation Assembly in December 20, 2010 – January 2, 2011. It was centered on the theme of Interreligious Dialogue. Bro Ladi wrote, “We started from sharing in groups about our personal experiences with Islam in our own countries followed by a three day live-in experience with Muslim youths in Pesantrens (Schools teaching Islamic Studies). This combination of sharing and experience led me to realize how little and often distorted was my knowledge about Islam. I personally knew that there were two categories of Muslims – moderate and radical Muslims – but I had never had the opportunity to sit together with any of these two groups. This time, I had the chance not only to share meals with the moderate Muslims, but also to pray together in their Mosque. It was for me an eye opening and heartwarming experience.”
December 7 the tertians in Manila left for Christmas ministries in remote areas around Tabuk in Kalinga Province and around Bontoc in Ifugao Province and Mountain Province. Both are in Northern Luzon. They will stay in different parishes or stations until Dec 28, then return back at Ateneo de Manila.
From a war-ravaged Vietnam to the budding nation of East Timor, Fr Quyen Vu (ASL) seeks to educate the world’s poor.
John Shea, S.J. is scheduling the East Asian Theological Encounter Program for 2011 – August 1-25, 2011 – at Seven Fountains Retreat House in Chiangmai, Thailand. Provincials, Regional Superiors, and Formators should think about selecting suitable candidates for the program, usually Scholastics who have finished at least one year of theology. These dates are to accommodate Japan, South Korea,China, Indonesia. EATEP 2012 will be in April-May, 2012 for LHS and Arrupe International Residences in Manila.