SCJ's spirit renewed while visiting Indonesian "cousins"
Sometimes a person has to go and visit his cousins to be reminded of the blessings of his family.
In April, Fr. Francis-Vu Tran, mission secretary, did just that. Representing the U.S. Province at the dedication of an SCJ retirement community in Indonesia (the U.S. Province contributed funds toward its construction), Fr. Francis gained a new appreciation for his religious family by spending time with his Indonesian "cousins."
"I was deeply moved by the faith of the people but especially that of the confreres, the SCJs," said Fr. Francis. "Their attitude, their way of being, it is so obvious that they are SCJs. It's their way of life, how they live and act, it's their conversations. I can recognize them instantly; it's not that they are dressed in a certain way or have any other obvious sign -- it is their spirit. You can't help but notice it."
Fr. Francis admits that going to Indonesia for a building dedication was not something that he had a lot of enthusiasm about prior to his trip. A busy associate pastor at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Franklin, Wis., he had many people and projects calling for his attention.
And then there was the apprehension many often face when going somewhere that they have never been before.
"But it was totally different than what I expected," said Fr. Francis. "My experience -- at least in the areas that I visited -- was that religion itself was well-respected. The Muslims that I encountered were very reverent. I don't know how much we understood or knew about each other's faith, but I always felt that I was respected as a priest, and that our community was respected."
Conversely, Fr. Francis said that he developed a respect for the Muslims and how their religion and daily life were so intertwined. "Their faith is so integrated into their life," he said. "It's so much a part of who they are."
He found that Catholics in Indonesia were similar to their Muslim neighbors in that their faith was also well integrated into their lives.
"In the United States -- at least in my opinion -- many seem to have lost that," said Fr. Francis. "Many of us have church, and then we have our life outside of church. This trip was a reminder to me that we need to have better connection."
Fr. Francis said that he was humbled by the parishioners he met. "Their lived faith was so strong; being with them rekindled my spirit," he said. "I hope that other members of our province can take the opportunity to make visits like this, to see how our congregation lives and ministers elsewhere. I think it will give them a spark as well; help us to be more Dehonian."
"Their [Indonesian SCJs] enthusiasm for the missions was so obvious as well," continued Fr. Francis. The Indonesian Province began as a mission of the congregation, but now the province is beginning to send its own men to serve as missionaries in areas of need. "It's so a part of their spirit, to serve wherever needed."
Fr. Franics said that visiting his religious "cousins" gave him a renewed appreciation for his international SCJ family, his SCJ brothers around the world.