Ongoing formation: The first five years in ministry

News from Indonesia.

The ongoing formation for the first five years in ministry took place at Taro Anggro MSC Spirituality Centre in Wonosobo, Central Java. The MSC retreat house is located in the highlands. It is very cold and humid, with temperatures reaching 16 °C overnight. The participants, 15 young MSC, are in their fourth and fifth years of ministry after completing initial formation.

The first day was full of excitement because most of them came from very remote areas of Indonesia. Fr. Mathias Batvian MSC, one of the participants, said, “When I received the invitation to take part in an ongoing formation program (OGF) under five years in ministry, my heart was pumping. I was very happy because I will have the opportunity to reflect on my experiences and share them with my fellow young MSC. On the other hand, I have the responsibility to take care of my parish. It is not easy to leave the ministry for one month for ongoing formation.”

In the first week, I introduced “contemplative listening”. We then had time to reflect on and share our experiences: the joys and hopes, the grief and anxieties, the difficulties and excitements. We shared in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Each of us had plenty of time to share and be listened to. This first week was very relieving. We felt our missionary identity and were proud of it.

In the second week, we reflect on our vow of chastity. When I created the questionnaire to identify relevant themes, living with the vow of chastity was the first to come up. Fr. Ardi Watuseke MSC, the facilitator, did not speak much about sexuality. Instead, he discussed how we, as young MSC, live with the vow of chastity in a modern secular world. He encouraged fellow MSC to strengthen their spiritual lives. After a break, we continued our process with safeguarding training. Fr. Julius Sodah MSC explained why we must take safeguarding seriously in the modern world.

In the third week, we learned about the framework of the spirituality of the heart: encounters, intimacy, conversion, and mission. We did not only learn theoretically but also practised it in real life. The next day, we formed three groups. The first group visited a school for autistics run by Charity Brothers, the second group visited a Jesuit elderly home, and the third visited an MSC elderly house. This program was very interesting. For example, at the Jesuit elderly home, they were warmly welcomed and able to share their experiences as religious. The encounter with this experience was very touching and inspired them to live in the spirit of openness, constant prayer, and discernment. They also realised the importance of a good and supportive community. After completing the day of visits, we reflected on the experiences through the four steps: encounter, intimacy, conversion, and mission. Human maturity is the next module. The facilitators were psychologists who helped us achieve maturity as young adults.

The fourth week was the busiest period. Fr. Aris Fenanlampir MSC explained how to study our MSC constitution and statutes systematically to draw inspiration from them. Then Fr. Stephanus Sumpono MSC helped us reflect on the integrity of creation. The process was very interesting because MSC bought bare land and planted several trees to restore the ecosystem. Lastly, I facilitated a goal-setting scheme for them, focusing on managing life to develop the six aspects of MSC formation: human and development, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, community, and MSC life.

When we finish the program and return to the ministry, we feel the joy of being MSC. We are not alone; we journey together as missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

Petrus Suroto, MSC. Coordinator of OGF for the Indonesian Province