A Priest-in-Training

Ateneo de Manila University is a school of immense diversity. It is a place where many different kinds of people go to gain access to the knowledge that the country’s most prestigious university offers: young and young-at-heart, from near and far, with all sorts of goals and aspirations, all bound together with their faith and beliefs. Indeed, as I found out, the school is teeming with samples of the many aspects of human characteristics.

Among many others who fill the hallways and rooms during weekdays, I discovered one unique person, an individual with ideals goals and aspirations, a person whose love for his fellowmen can be seen among the purposes he has for living in this country. That person is a Jesuit brother, a freshman studying here in Ateneo from East Timor. His presence in the school has filled my mind with interesting questions: Why is he here? What is his purpose for studying in a foreign country? How does it feel to be a priest-in-training who is not in a seminary, or not even in his own country? And what do his goals do to make him exceptional?

Alfonso Fernandes da Silva Andres, or Brother Aze, is 24 years old and taking up AB Philosophy. A dark man of big build and medium height, he is not a stereotypical image of a priest, especially with the war experiences he has had from fighting for the freedom of his country from Indonesian colonization. Sitting relaxed, almost eager to talk about his story, he remembers how he came towards being a Jesuit. “Joining the Jesuits has not been my plan,” he says. After the war, he considered going to a church for a mass. “I heard an announcement looking for people interested in becoming Jesuit priests. Initially I was not very interested, but a friend encouraged me to go with him and apply for a slot. I agreed, and was accepted, although my friend wasn’t.”

Before being sent here to the Philippines to study, Brother Aze was first sent to Singapore for two years to undergo basic training for novices. There he learned how to deal with psychological issues. He also learned more about being a Jesuit.

He is currently staying in Arrupe International Residents in the Ateneo along with 15 other students from East Asia and America. The Jesuit program he is in gives him six years to study here in the Philippines. He has been here in the country for almost two years, studying Math, English, French and Spanish, as well as reading some local grade-school books in his first year in preparation for his freshman year in Ateneo. He is currently taking all subjects required for freshmen and for his course, and also needs to maintain the same grade requirements as other Ateneo students. He has no qualms about not being given special treatment as he is a foreigner, rather he gives praise for the school’s high standards and is proud that he is here.

Sitting back in his chair, Brother Aze talks about his future. He says he has no definite plans for the future, although there are a few things he wants to do. “I am quite interested in taking a minor, most probably in European Studies, though I am also very interested in two degree programs: Management, major in Communication Technology Management and Management Information Systems.” He values education, especially since he says that to get good education in his home country, one needs to spend a lot of money. He says that the education the Philippines (especially in the Ateneo) has better quality than a big percentage of the schools in East Timor.

Asked if he is sure if he will continue to priesthood, which takes around 15 years, he says that he is focusing more on his studies right now. “I am trying most of the things I am interested in, and I am open to all of the possibilities that may come my way,” he says. “If something makes him want to not continue to becoming a priest, or even leave being a Jesuit, I will do so, but only if the reason is worth it, and also after my studies here in the Philippines.” He is very interested in pursuing a Master’s degree, and wants to do so in Ateneo.

Still, at this moment, he has no intention of leaving his position as a Jesuit brother. He very much wants to work in his country and help his fellow citizens. “When I go back to East Timor, I will most probably be teaching in Jesuit high schools.” Although Jesuits may be assigned to work in other countries depending on their level of needs, he considers it is more important to work in his own country and be of service to his fellowmen.

Brother Aze wants to help his countrymen in any way he can. “I especially want to share my knowledge and skills in electronics and gadgets that I have gained in East Timor. I have already earned a diploma for Electronics and Communications Engineering after taking a three-year vocational course in the National University of East Timor.”

Brother Aze is indeed very inspiring with his aims and ambitions. His love for his country and fellowmen can be seen through his words and actions, even if he says that the Philippines is a country where people can live better than his own country. Opening up to all possibilities, Brother Aze lives to many opportunities, not one of them getting lost or ignored. It is not very difficult to see why he is being given a lot of gifts from the Lord, from coming out unhurt from the war to getting into the program he is in right now. In the future, one can readily see him to be of great service to his country. He is indeed a unique in a way that makes him a good example to all, an example of true loyalty and patriotism, of love and care towards his fellowmen.

-Rene Ceasar Operio (092717)