Comfort Zone, Reality and Fish Nine
Five years have passed with various stories during my studies at the Pineleng Manado Seminary Philosophy College. Now I and eight other brothers have returned to my homeland in Maluku to embark on a journey of vocation at a higher level, by undergoing the “Pastoral Orientation Year” or widely known as the TOP period, in the Diocese of Amboina. Developing ourselves at this level is a sign that half of the steps of the journey of the vocation to the peak of the holy priesthood have been passed, and the great hopes of everyone (Family, Congregation, Friends and Acquaintances) who are in line with my great hopes also want to be achieved soon.
“Kapal su stom 3x, itu tanda mo lepas tali“, that’s a little of the lyrics of a song by Tonny Pareira that represents my experience with eight brothers when standing on the pier of Bitung city under the dusk on February 3, 2023. After that the sailing mission began, crossing the waters of the Maluku sea with a route that was so pleasant to enjoy and immortalize. Entering Ternate Island and then continuing the journey by enjoying a warm cup of coffee and a game of dominoes, adding to the beautiful view of Mount Maitara, as depicted on the Thousand Rupiah currency which displays its image accompanied by the patriotic Captain Pattimura.
Two days later, we set foot in Ambon City to write the story of the mission trip later at the TOP stage. During the 3-week period of staying in the beloved diocesan house, while learning about the lives of the Priests with the Bishop, we were provided with certain preparations to enter the pastoral field. Ora Et Labora was inseparable from daily life while in the diocesan house. Sharing and recreation with the pastors added to the warmth of the atmosphere by tying the brotherhood of love with the other collegium presbyteriums. Finally, from that 3-week period, the title of our batch was labeled as “FISH NINE” by the beloved Father Father Thomas Ratuanak, when he observed our footsteps that always went there and there in groups, like nine fish in the waters of the Maluku sea.
Approaching the Lenten period, the nine fish personnel also scattered because of the demands of the Maluku sea which required them to sail and dive independently. On February 20th became part of a historical flash, the day when we were given places for pastoral, both in the formation institution and in the parish. From there, there were two personnel who would go to enjoy the beautiful fine sand in the Kei Kecil Islands, at the SYT Langgur Seminary formation institution. Another had to fight the strong currents of Tanjung Burang-Kei Besar, at the Katlarat Minor Seminary institution. The other two (the Tobelo brothers) felt brilliant because they were flocking with pearls in the waters of the Aru-Dobo Islands, one at the formation institution and one at the parish.
It is also not forgotten that the two fish brothers, Wain and Disuk had to get acquainted with the waters of Halmahera, at the TOR Sivas Seminary and Parish. Finally, two other personnel had to be divided again, one became friendly with the sea area surrounding Yamdema Island, at the SYV Saumlaki Seminary. While the last personnel, I myself had to get acquainted with Seram Land, while fighting the strong currents of Tanjung Koako, at the St. Andreas Masohi Seminary.
From the comfort of being in the Land of Minahasa, then returning with such thin personnel to continue the formation in the Pastoral Orientation Year. I found that the world does not always offer what is delicious as imagined, there must be a struggle-sacrifice-time and energy that pays dearly in order to achieve the holy priesthood. Togetherness becomes a great strength that encourages us to continue to survive and work together to answer the grace of a truly noble and mysterious calling. Sharing experiences in sharing, both in the recreation room, during meals together really helped us and I personally saw again the harmony and togetherness of God’s love that was evident in the lives of his priests, which were also colored by their respective duties and responsibilities.
Finally, I and they (nine fish personnel) had to face the pastoral reality, which was very helpful in growing and developing the seeds of this calling with various designs and creativity that had to be sprinkled in each pastoral place later. On February 21, 2023, departing from Tulehu seaport by speedboat to Amahai port accompanied by cloudy weather, I began my pastoral mission in Bumi Pahamanunusa, Central Maluku, Masohi City at the St. Andreas Masohi Seminary development institution. Welcome and mission in Masohi.
