Pilgrims on Christ’s Mission

Author name: Komunikator Serikat Jesus

English

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE CARDBOARD HOUSE

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is known as the city of a million memories, famous for its rich history, beautiful tourist attractions, and delicious cuisine. Many people come to Yogyakarta to study or vacation. The writer is grateful that the SCJ Congregation chose this region as a place of learning for Dehonian scholastics and brothers. Learning takes place not only in theology classes but also involves practical experience. Through the Department of Divine Philosophy, the writer studies the concept of God and focuses on contextual theology relevant to the present time.   The writer is involved in social service experiences at Realino SPM, which serves to apply theological learning. Initially, the purpose of joining was to meet academic requirements, but he learned more from the community. Realino SPM provided an opportunity to understand social realities and cultivate compassion. The founder of the congregation, Father Leo John Dehon, is known for his struggle for social justice, particularly in addressing labor issues during the French Revolution. The values of compassion, as exemplified by Father Dehon and Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy on equality and transformation, complement the spirit of Realino SPM.   In social service, the writer recalls spiritual advice that connects love for God and love for others. The experience at the Realino Learning Community (KBR) taught the meaning of love and sacrifice. The writer feels that he has learned more about life from the children and families he has met. He realizes that they do not always think about the definition of life, but struggle to survive.   When interacting with the community, the writer was surprised to see the reality of their lives, including access to over-the-counter contraceptives. This experience led him to the realization that their lives are not about right or wrong, but about how to survive. Realino SPM plays a crucial role in helping the community and children access better education and fundamental life values. Activities at KBR bring both joy and sorrow, but the writer feels grateful for the valuable experience.   Visiting children who did not attend KBR was a precious moment when the writer and fellow volunteers picked them up. Seeing the simple conditions of their homes triggered deep reflection on the meaning of life. The experience in the Realino SPM community enabled the writer to meet many people from diverse regions, sharing dreams and hopes for a better future. He became increasingly convinced that God’s presence is real for those who suffer and despair. This experience became a blessing in his life, driving personal transformation and a deeper absorption of humanistic values.         Contributor: Sch. Marcelinus Wahyu Setyo Aji, SCJ – Realino volunteer of 2023/2024

English

A Journey of Gratitude, Vocation, and the Spirit of Being More

17 Years MAGIS Indonesia: On August 23, 2025, the hall of Kanisius College in Jakarta was filled with an atmosphere of gratitude as the MAGIS Indonesia community celebrated its 17th Thanksgiving Mass. The event was attended by MAGIS alumni from Jakarta and Yogyakarta as an expression of gratitude for God’s guidance since 2008. This Mass also celebrated the first Mass of Fr. Leo Tanjung Perkasa, S.J., assistant of MAGIS Jakarta 2017, and Fr. Antonius Septian Marhenanto, S.J., an alumnus of MAGIS 2011, and the full incorporation into the Society of Fr. Alexander Koko Siswijayanto, S.J., the National Coordinator of MAGIS Indonesia.   In his homily, Fr. Leo explained the meaning of the word “magis,” which transforms from “more active” to “more like Christ in daily life.” He invited all MAGIS members to respond to the call to “Be More” according to their respective life contexts. Fr. Septian shared his personal experience of how MAGIS helped him discover his vocation to the priesthood, which began with his desire to attend World Youth Day.   Fr. Koko emphasized the importance of humility in achieving the spirit of MAGIS, asserting that the community cannot have the spirit of MAGIS without humility. The event concluded with the prayer of St. Ignatius’ Litany of Humility, a supplication to continue following God’s will. The supper with tumpengan (cone-shaped rice dish) became a symbol of gratitude and togetherness, where the first piece was given to representatives of the first and newest generations. This celebration aimed to inspire each participant to continue serving and growing in humility, following the example of St. Ignatius Loyola.       Contributor: Public Relations of MAGIS Jakarta

English

SOUVENIRS FROM SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Participants expressed positive feedback after completing a short agriculture course held at the Reflection Center Mindol Metta Karuna in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They appreciated the practicality of the course, which included hands-on activities using inexpensive local materials. The course, organized by the Agricultural Training Course (KPTT) of Salatiga, took place on July 4-5, 2025, and aimed to boost interest in agriculture, a crucial yet underappreciated sector.   Over 30 participants, including Jesuits, teachers, and environmental activists, joined the course focused on integrated and sustainable farming. Key themes included connectivity, mutual service, and harmony, which resonate with Cambodian history, as many ancestors were farmers. However, the interest in agriculture declined due to past struggles, especially during the Khmer regime, where many were forced into farming under dire conditions.   The course taught participants how to become ecologically responsible individuals by providing foundational knowledge in agriculture, such as planting media, plant nutrition, and pest control. They actively engaged in creating planting media, hugelkultuur, and preparing local microorganisms.   At the end of the course, Father Jihnyuk was moved by the realization of interconnectedness among people, nature, and God, encouraged by a video demonstrating how trees communicate with each other through fungi and microorganisms in the soil.   Reconciliation with Creation (RWC) Meeting The agricultural course mentioned above is part of a series of events held in conjunction with the JCAP-level RWC delegation meeting, which took place at the exact location. During this RWC meeting, two main agendas were discussed. The first agenda involved inviting and requesting the winners of the Creator of Hope program to present their ecological projects. These are young individuals who have been actively involved in ecological conservation efforts for over two years, through various environmental protection activities. One of the winners that caught my attention is from Indonesia, working in coral reef and marine biodiversity conservation in the Anambas Islands. Together with the Anambas Foundation, Fauzan Maulana, the Creator of Hope winner, is collaborating to improve the underwater conditions in the waters of Anambas. Despite appearing remote, these waters have suffered significant damage due to the use of bombs and tiger nets in fishing. The core of the Creator of Hope program is RWC’s support for young people who have been actively working and fighting for the environment where they live.   The second agenda of the RWC meeting was presentations from each province and region on the ecological activities carried out in their respective areas. At the end of the RWC meeting, we proposed various activities that we could undertake together across provinces and regions, as well as the forms of assistance that could be provided or contributed. To make things clear and concrete, we eventually formed a core group that was then tasked with formulating the vision, mission, and practical steps for implementing future RWC activities. One practical step that I found particularly interesting from the final part of the meeting was the delegates’ desire to practice “Finding God in Farming.” The farming practices inspired this phrase itself carried out at KPTT. For other delegates, this was a good practice, and in fact, almost all delegates also engage in similar practices. Therefore, farming activities and finding God within them should continue to be pursued.       Contributor: F. Antonius Dieng Karnedi, S.J.

English

Celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day with Foreign Refugees

TUJUHBELASAN TOGETHER: On August 19, 2025, Kampung Kongsi in Cisarua was busier than usual as residents and refugees gathered to celebrate Independence Day. A simple field in the community was filled with people, with the red and white flag standing proudly to mark the start of the event. Children ran around laughing while adults prepared for games and greeted each other, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for a special celebration.   The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) partnered with the Hope Learning Center (HLC) to hold the event, named “Tujuhbelasan Together.” HLC has long been a safe place for refugee children in Cisarua, providing them with an opportunity to learn, play, and grow despite the challenges they face in a foreign country. For those who had to leave their homes, HLC became a space of hope where they could still experience education and look toward the future with positivity.   The day featured various traditional games, beginning with a lively crackers-eating competition where children enthusiastically tried to bite the crackers swaying in the wind. Laughter erupted during the sack race, where participants hopped in burlap sacks, falling and getting back up while giggling. The tug-of-war was particularly thrilling, pitting local teams against refugee teams, with spectators cheering loudly. Other fun activities included a quiz competition, plastic cup blowing, and games that brought everyone together in joy.     Amira, a participant from HLC, expressed her happiness about the event, saying how much fun she had and appreciating the opportunity to connect with the local community. Her words highlighted how such a simple celebration could foster friendships between locals and refugees.   As the day progressed, speeches were given. Novita Mulyasari, the local community leader, proudly acknowledged the joy of seeing both residents and refugees come together to celebrate. Shaima from HLC thanked JRS and the community for creating a space of fellowship for refugees and their children. Zainuddin from JRS emphasized the importance of this collaboration in building cross-cultural solidarity, in line with JRS’s mission to support marginalized individuals.   Following the speeches, the celebration featured a variety of performances. The local choir sang a religious song, while refugee children performed a traditional Afghan song. A surprise came when Harun Hussein, a refugee, confidently imitated Michael Jackson’s dance moves, delighting the audience and encouraging everyone to join in the fun.   Prizes were distributed to the winners of the games, with warm applause for each recipient. Novita awarded prizes for the sack and krupuk-eating races, while HLC representatives honored winners of tug-of-war and other contests. An emotional highlight occurred when Mr. Topik Hidayat received a beautiful painting symbolizing unity from the children of HLC. Zainuddin also received a unique painting combining the JRS and HLC logos, symbolizing shared hopes and collaboration between the communities.   As the event drew to a close, everyone joined together to sing and dance. The joyful song “Gemu Fa Mi Re” invited locals and refugees to hold hands and move together, creating a moment of unity that transcended borders, languages, and identities. A health worker from Kampung Kongsi shared joy in meeting refugees and expressed hope that such events could happen again, emphasizing how such interactions can deepen understanding and appreciation among people.   The day celebrated freedom not just through a flag but through open hearts. Local residents and refugees demonstrated that unity is not just a beautiful idea but a living reality in their shared joy and laughter. “Tujuhbelasan Together” illustrated that Indonesia’s independence holds deep meaning for everyone, including refugees who find hope in this land. This celebration showcased that freedom is universal, a shared experience of joy and respect that transcends borders, cultures, and languages, reinforcing a true understanding of independence—living in peace, valuing one another, and sharing happiness without limits.     Contributor: Sch. Alfonsus Ignatius Franky Njoto, S.J.

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the Discerning Pope

JESUIT VALUES OF JORGE MARIO BERGOGLIO (part 1): Pope Francis, a member of the Society of Jesus, died on April 21, 2025. Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., wrote to all members of the Society a letter on the Death of Pope Francis to express gratitude and understanding for Pope Francis’s life and service to the Church. In the letter, Father Sosa stated that the Pope’s passing is a time of mourning, but also a time to give thanks to God for all the goodness bestowed through the Pope’s leadership, which spanned over 12 years.   Pope Francis is admired for his great concern for global issues and his ability to offer hope through his two encyclicals, Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, which provide a profound analysis of humanity and ways to address injustice. He also emphasizes the importance of walking together and the centrality of prayer in the Church’s ministry, making the Church synodal and grounded in discernment.   The author’s experience of making a pilgrimage to pay his last respects to the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica and praying at the Pope’s tomb shows how deeply Pope Francis has influenced many people. The author also invites the brothers to reflect on the contents of Father Sosa’s letter as spiritual reading, remembering how real and moving the Jesuit spirit is in the figure of Pope Francis.   Father Sosa also recalled the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society established in 2019. He emphasized that the first preference, which is to show the way to God through Spiritual Exercises and discernment, is significant because it is the basis for all other preferences. This preference also describes the relationship between members of the Society and God in personal and communal prayer. With deep gratitude, the author reflects on all these things as part of Pope Francis’ legacy to the Church and the world.   Gratia Status Pater Federico Lombardi reflects on Pope Francis, noting that he embodies the Ignatian spirit through his commitment to a Church that seeks God’s will and spreads the Gospel universally. Lombardi highlights the importance of “gratia status,” which signifies the grace God provides for Francis’s mission and life situation. He mentions that Pope Francis often spends quiet time in prayer at the Santa Marta chapel and maintains a routine of going to bed early to wake refreshed for morning prayers.   Lombardi points out how the apostolic letter “Gaudete et Exultate,” which calls everyone to holiness, and the encyclical “Dilexit nos,” revealing Francis’s devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, reflect the fruits of his prayers and relationship with God. In his pastoral approach, Lombardi emphasizes Pope Francis’s ability to connect closely with people, fostering a simple, direct, and sincere dialogue with all, demonstrating a unique gift in his personal interactions.     Contributor: P. L. A. Sardi, S.J. 

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Walking the Path of Sanctity in the Society

Final Vows: On Friday, August 15, 2025, during the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Indonesian Province of the Society of Jesus celebrated the final vows of seven priests; they were Frs. Thomas Septi Widhiyudana, S.J., Christoforus Bayu Risanto, S.J., Peter Benedicto Devantara, S.J., Bernadus Dirgaprimawan, S.J., Agustinus Winaryanta, S.J., Alexander Koko Siswijayanto, S.J., and Christoforus Christiono Puspo, S.J. The Mass was presided over by Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, S.J., at the chapel of Kanisius College, Jakarta, attended by family members, parishioners, and Jesuit members from various communities. The Mass could also be watched via live streaming on the Jesuit Indonesia YouTube channel. In his homily, Father Benny invited the faithful to reflect on the moment of Church reform by Pope Gregory VII, who sought to free the Church from worldly power. Emphasizing the effort to preserve the purity of the Church as the Body of Christ, he linked the meaning of Final Vows with full incorporation and acceptance into the Society of Jesus, which unites one spiritually, structurally, and in mission.   Father Benny invited the votaries to live out holiness in their current time and context, emphasizing concrete actions in thought, word, and deed, in line with the spirit of the Spiritual Exercises and the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. He also reminded them that their presence in the Society is both a gift and a responsibility, with the hope of bringing new perspectives and raising reflective questions about the impact of their presence within the Society.   At the end of the Eucharist, Father Koko Siswijayanto, representing his seven colleagues, expressed gratitude for the journey they had travelled, feeling God’s grace in their imperfections. He stated that final vows were not the end, but a new beginning for God’s mission. He asked for prayers so that they could live out their vocation as Jesuits with humility and fidelity.     Contributor: Sch. Ignatius Dio Ernanda Johandika, S.J.

Karya Pendidikan

Menemukan Tuhan dalam Penugasan di Tlogosari

Refleksi Latihan Kepemimpinan Tingkat Menengah Kamis, 10 April, 2025 menjadi awal dari sebuah pengalaman yang tidak pernah saya bayangkan sebelumnya. Saat itu, saya mengira ini hanya sekadar tugas sekolah yang berat, asing, dan cukup membuat cemas. Namun ternyata, justru dari pengalaman itulah saya mendapatkan sesuatu yang sangat berharga. Kegiatan ini bernama Latihan Kepemimpinan Tingkat Menengah (LKTM), sebuah program tahunan dari SMK Katolik St. Mikael Surakarta yang diperuntukkan bagi siswa-siswi kelas XI. LKTM bukan sekadar pelatihan atau pertemuan biasa. Kami diutus untuk tinggal bersama keluarga asuh dan berkarya di sekolah-sekolah Kanisius di wilayah Yogyakarta, Surakarta, dan Semarang mulai dari jenjang TK, SD, hingga SMP. Suatu hal yang menarik adalah kami sama sekali tidak diberi tahu tujuan penempatan kami. Kami hanya menerima amplop berisi nama dan alamat, lalu diminta mencari jalan sendiri menggunakan transportasi umum. Tidak boleh membawa ponsel, tidak boleh bertanya kepada teman. Kami benar-benar dilatih untuk mandiri.   Saya sendiri ditempatkan di TK-SD Kanisius Tlogosari, Semarang. Awalnya saya merasa sangat gugup karena ternyata saya berangkat sendiri. Pikiran-pikiran negatif mulai muncul. Bagaimana kalau nyasar? Bagaimana kalau tidak ada yang menjemput? Tapi sesampainya di sana, saya bertemu Wahyu, teman saya yang ternyata juga ditempatkan di kompleks yang sama, meskipun pada jenjang berbeda. Saya di TK dan dia di SD.   Setiap pagi, saya membantu guru-guru TK dari pukul 07.00–10.00. Saya bermain bersama anak-anak, membantu mewarnai, menyusun lego, dan ikut serta dalam kegiatan harian mereka. Salah satu anak yang paling saya ingat bernama Chinchin, yang awalnya adalah anak yang sangat pemalu dan sering menangis, namun lambat laun mulai terbuka. Belakangan saya baru mengetahui bahwa ia memiliki hambatan dalam berbicara. Saya juga sempat membantu di SD, mengajar matematika khususnya soal jaring-jaring bangun ruang hingga membuat miniatur sekolah.   Kami tinggal bersama seorang ibu asuh yang luar biasa, Ibu Maria, seorang guru TK yang ramah dan penuh perhatian. Ia tinggal bersama suami, dua anaknya, Mbak Tata dan Bimbim, serta beberapa hewan peliharaan yang cukup mengejutkan, seperti anjing, ular, bahkan tarantula. Jujur saja, awalnya saya takut, namun lama-kelamaan saya mulai terbiasa. Dari pengalaman itu, saya belajar bahwa rasa nyaman bisa tumbuh jika kita berani membuka diri. Di rumah itu, saya merasa diterima sepenuh hati seperti bagian dari keluarga sendiri.   Suatu malam, kami diajak Mbak Tata berkunjung ke Kolese Loyola, tempat ia bersekolah. Bangunannya tampak megah, dengan fasilitas modern, termasuk perpustakaan yang dilengkapi lift. Namun bukan fasilitasnya yang paling membekas di hati saya, melainkan cara Mbak Tata menceritakan pengalamannya. Ia terlihat begitu bangga menjadi bagian dari tempat yang membentuk dirinya. Saat mendengarnya, saya terdiam sejenak. Dalam hati saya bergumam: seharusnya saya juga bisa merasa bangga terhadap sekolah saya sendiri, SMK Mikael. Bukan karena besar atau mewahnya, tapi karena nilai-nilai yang ditanamkan kepada kami. Di sekolah itulah saya belajar arti kepemimpinan, keberanian untuk keluar dari zona nyaman, dan semangat untuk hadir bagi sesama. Di sanalah karakter saya ditempa dengan kedisiplinan, pelayanan, dan cinta akan keheningan. Saya tersadar bahwa menjadi bagian dari SMK Mikael bukan sekadar status, tetapi panggilan untuk menjadi pribadi yang siap diutus.   Satu sosok yang juga membekas bagi saya adalah Pak Adi, penjaga kapel sekolah. Hidupnya sederhana, tinggal seorang diri karena keluarganya telah tiada. Namun semangatnya luar biasa. Setiap pagi dan sore saya membantu membersihkan kapel. Dari Pak Adi saya belajar tentang arti kesetiaan dalam hal-hal kecil. Beliau selalu tersenyum meski hidupnya sunyi. Dalam diamnya, ada ketulusan yang menyentuh hati saya.   Hari terakhir menjadi momen yang sangat emosional. Anak-anak TK memeluk kami erat, beberapa guru meneteskan air mata, dan saya sendiri nyaris tak sanggup berkata apa-apa. Rasanya baru saja mengenal mereka, tetapi sudah harus berpamitan. Dalam pelukan dan air mata itu, saya menyadari bahwa lima hari ini bukanlah waktu yang sebentar. Kami memang hanya membantu sedikit, tetapi kasih sayang yang kami terima jauh lebih besar.   LKTM bagi saya bukan sekadar soal menjadi pemimpin. Lebih dari itu, menjadi sebuah proses belajar menjadi manusia seutuhnya. Takut, bingung, senang, terharu, semua rasa datang silih berganti. Namun justru dari semua itulah saya sadar bahwa Tuhan hadir dalam wajah anak-anak, dalam obrolan bersama guru, dalam tawa keluarga asuh. Bukan di tempat yang megah, tetapi dalam hal-hal paling sederhana. Saya juga semakin memahami dunia pendidikan. Para guru di sana bekerja dalam keterbatasan, namun tetap penuh semangat. Mereka sabar, telaten, dan tidak pernah mengeluh. Melihat mereka, saya merasa kecil. Tetapi juga tergerak untuk lebih menghargai pendidikan sebagai sebuah panggilan, bukan sekadar profesi.   Banyak momen kecil yang membekas dalam LKTM ini, seperti anak TK yang tiba-tiba memeluk saya, Pak Adi yang berkata bahwa kami seperti cucunya, dan Bu Maria yang mendoakan kami dengan mata berkaca-kaca. Saya belajar bahwa dalam pelayanan, yang kita beri tidak akan pernah lebih besar dari yang kita terima. Justru dalam memberi, hati kita dipulihkan kembali. Pengalaman ini juga menyadarkan saya bahwa menjadi pemuda Katolik bukan hanya soal aktif dalam kegiatan, tetapi juga berani diutus, hadir, mendengarkan, menemani, bahkan dalam keheningan. LKTM mengajak saya untuk berjalan bukan dengan peta, tetapi dengan iman. Perlahan, saya percaya bahwa langkah kecil yang saya ambil kemarin adalah awal dari perjalanan panjang menuju kedewasaan.   Saat saya menulis ini, berbagai kenangan muncul kembali. Ada banyak cerita sederhana yang ternyata menyimpan makna besar. LKTM bukan sekadar program sekolah, namun juga berperan sebagai ziarah hati, proses pembentukan diri yang pelan-pelan mengubah cara pandang saya terhadap dunia, terhadap sesama, dan terhadap Tuhan. Saya berharap kisah ini dapat menjadi pengingat, bukan hanya bagi saya, tetapi juga bagi siapa pun yang membacanya bahwa dalam setiap perjalanan, Tuhan senantiasa menyertai. Kadang kita tidak menyadarinya. Tetapi Ia hadir dalam pelukan, dalam tawa, dalam keheningan, dan dalam setiap detik yang kita jalani dengan hati yang terbuka.       Kontributor: Helarius Hido Setiawan – Siswa SMK Katolik St. Mikael Surakarta

Realino SPM

Dari Kelas ke Rumah Kardus

Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta kerap dinilai sebagai kota sejuta kenangan. Kota pelajar yang menyimpan sejarah memukau, daerah dengan wisata indah, dan kuliner nikmat. Banyak orang pergi ke Yogyakarta menimba ilmu atau sekadar rehat menikmati liburan. Saya bersyukur karena Kongregasi SCJ sedari awal memilih daerah ini menjadi tempat belajar para frater dan bruder SCJ. Bagi saya, tugas belajar dari kongregasi tidak hanya belajar formal di fakultas teologi melainkan juga belajar berbagai hal. Kuliah di jurusan Filsafat Keilahian membuat saya belajar konsep-konsep Ketuhanan, dari perspektif para teolog dan filsuf, Kitab Suci, dan dokumen-dokumen Gereja. Satu hal membuat saya kagum di fakultas ini, teologi kontekstual memperoleh penekanan serius. Semua mahasiswa diundang mewujudkan gagasan ke realita zaman. Pengalaman pengabdian sosial (pengabsos) di Realino SPM menjadi salah satu upaya mewujudkan teologi yang saya pelajari. Realino SPM merupakan salah satu pengalaman indah berteologi secara nyata. Saya akui tujuan awal bergabung di Realino SPM adalah memenuhi syarat studi. Kami menyiapkan banyak hal untuk proses mengajar, namun tidak semua dapat digunakan begitu saja. Kerap kali semua itu idealisme sebagai pendidik. Nyatanya, saya tidak hanya menjadi pengajar tetapi lebih banyak belajar dari masyarakat yang saya jumpai.   Realino SPM adalah ruang perjumpaan. Lembaga ini menyediakan kesempatan melibatkan diri ke kenyataan, jarang terjamah, sekaligus mengembangkan kepedulian sosial. Seperti halnya, pendiri Kongregasi SCJ, Pater Leo Yohanes Dehon, SCJ sejak awal pun memiliki kepedulian sosial sangat besar. Pada masa revolusi Prancis, Pater Dehon dengan berani melawan kaum borjuis yang sembarangan mempekerjakan anak-anak di bawah umur dan memberikan gaji kecil pada buruh pabrik. Fokus Pater Dehon adalah memperjuangkan keadilan di masyarakat. Saat saya merefleksikan pengalaman pengabsos dan konsentrasi Pater Dehon, saya mengingat gagasan Gilles Deleuze, filsuf Perancis. Gagasannya yang terkenal adalah konsep rhizome, tentang kesetaraan, kebebasan, transformasi dinamis, dan keterhubungan. Semangat Pater Dehon dan Gilles Deleuze senada dengan perjuangan Realino SPM dan teman-teman volunteer. Suasana itu membuat saya bangga bergabung dalam komunitas volunteer.   Pengabdian sosial di Realino SPM saya awali dengan satu nasihat rohani: “Kalau seseorang berkata, ‘aku mengasihi Allah’, tetapi membenci saudaranya, berarti dia berbohong. Orang yang tidak mengasihi sesama manusia yang kelihatan, tidak mungkin bisa mengasihi Allah yang tidak kelihatan.” (1 Yohanes 4:20). Saya sudah merefleksikan ayat ini lama dalam perjalanan panggilan membiara. Gemanya begitu terasa ketika benar-benar terjun di masyarakat. Perjumpaan dengan adik-adik Komunitas Belajar Realino (KBR) mengajarkan saya menghidupi kasih kepada Allah lewat sesama. Setelah satu tahun berkegiatan di KBR Jombor dan Bongsuwung, saya tersadar bahwa lebih banyak diberi hal baru daripada memberi. Adik-adik KBR mengajarkan tentang arti hidup. Anak-anak dan keluarga mereka di sana tidak pernah pusing memikirkan definisi makna kehidupan, namun mereka berpeluh memperjuangkan hidup. Mereka tidak pernah memilih terlahir dalam kondisi keluarga tertentu, tetapi mereka memilih memperjuangkan hidup yang mereka miliki dengan sekuat tenaga.   Saya terhenyak ketika melihat alat kontrasepsi seksual dijual di warung-warung kecil secara bebas terbuka. Pengalaman pertama di sana memberikan banyak tanya, bahkan sempat ‘merendahkan hidup’ orang-orang yang tinggal. Dalam perjalanan waktu, saya menyesal. Hidup mereka bukan lagi mengenai benar atau salah, melainkan mengenai berjuang bertahan hidup. Realino SPM hadir di tengah-tengah realita itu. Saya banyak belajar dari semangat para pendamping dan volunteer lainnya. Mereka gigih ikut memperjuangkan hidup masyarakat dan anak-anak miskin di sana. Anak-anak ditemani dan dibantu belajar membuka pandangan tentang pendidikan dan hidup yang lebih baik. Realino SPM mendampingi mereka lewat pengetahuan, baik itu seputar pelajaran formal, nilai-nilai di masyarakat, maupun sopan-santun sederhana.   Tentu ada suka-duka berkegiatan. Setiap perjumpaan memiliki lelah dan kebahagiaannya. Saya bersyukur atas pengalaman penuh berkat. Pengalaman tak terlupakan adalah momen menjemput beberapa anak yang tidak hadir di KBR. Pada suatu hari, jumlah adik-adik di ruang belajar hanya sedikit. Inilah spesialnya menjadi volunteer Realino SPM, kami tidak hanya mengajar melainkan juga menjadi teman, mencari dan berkunjung ke keluarga mereka. Saya dan beberapa volunteer menjemput ke rumah-rumah mereka. Dengan cara itu, mereka mau datang ke balai tempat belajar bersama. Saat menjemput, saya terkejut. Hari itu, saya bisa menyaksikan langsung keadaan tempat tinggal mereka. Mereka berada di lingkungan yang tidak pernah saya bayangkan sebelumnya. Rumah mereka seadanya. Saya baru sadar celotehan kebenaran salah satu anak yang awalnya saya anggap candaan belaka. Katanya, “Boro-boro hiasan dinding mas, rumah aja dari kardus!” Saat berkunjung ke rumah mereka, kalimat adik itu saya lihat wujudnya di depan mata. Saya tersadar karena datang dan melihat. Sejak hari itu, saya mulai belajar lebih lagi merenungkan: “Apa itu hidup?”   Pengalaman terlibat di komunitas Realino SPM adalah berkat tersendiri buat saya. Saya mengalami perjumpaan transformatif. Saya tambah mengenal banyak saudara dari berbagai sudut Indonesia. Secara sederhana, saya terlibat menyulam mimpi dan harapan adik-adik di Bongsuwung dan Jombor demi memiliki masa depan lebih baik. Lebih dalam lagi, saya semakin yakin dan diteguhkan bahwa Allah sungguh nyata hadir bagi mereka yang miskin, menderita, dan putus asa.       Kontributor: Fr. Marcelinus Wahyu Setyo Aji, SCJ – volunteer Realino 2023/2024