I was born in Manggara, west Flores Island on 4th April 1981 to the family of Maria Rida and Thomas Agas, both of whom are farmers. I have two elder sisters and two younger brothers. I really love them. My father was a good person, humble, taciturn, always smiling and hard working. He died when I was in the fourth grade of elementary school. 

My mother is humble, friendly, easygoing, hardworking and grumpy.  She is an assertive person especially in educating us.  My mother ever told me that on my day of birth, my father was very jubilant because he had hoped to get a boy. As a single parent, she accompanied and educated us intensively.  I thank God for them because they really loved us.  One of their messages which impressed me in life is “Survive in every situation and accept whatever happens in your life”. 

My education

I started my basic education in a Roman Catholic primary school in 1988. I was one of the bright students and as such, was ever the winner in the national examination called “EBTANAS” and was given a certificate by my headmaster. In fact I wanted to continue my studies in the seminary but my parents and my uncle did not support the idea, so I went to a public junior high school in Cancar. Though a public school, the whole student-body was Roman Catholic. There I learned more about values of life besides developing of my intellectual skills. I also internalized the values of discipline, honesty, charity, togetherness, and loyalty.  I still remember one experience when I reported late to the school one day. As usual the teacher on duty was standing outside the gate checking those who came late to school. I was one of them. I was really shocked with the punishment he gave us. First we had to walk on our knees from the gate to the classroom, and secondly each of us had to bring a 10-metre long bamboo. After a deep reflection on this experience, I always reported to the school on time.  

I graduated from the public junior high school in 1998 and continued to the economic vocational school (SMK) of Widya Bhakti. I had a reason for this choice: if I would pass I would work directly for money. Just as in the primary and junior high schools, I really enjoyed studying here. I succeeded in being one of the best especially in academic work. Starting from first grade till the third, I was always the best or among the best. I thank God for this.  

 

My vocation story began when I was at the primary school. First I became interested in becoming a priest. This was due to the presence of some novices of the SVD congregation who were doing “live in” at my village. “Live in” is one of the annual programs for their novices. One novice stayed in my house for one week. I was very enthusiastic about attending every prayer in the village. 

Praying the rosary became my favorite, something I learned from my mother when I was in fourth grade. She sometimes asked me to accompany her to the Marian shrine close to the house. Little did I also know that my mother always prayed the rosary every night before she went to bed.   This inspired me so much and through this I learned to place prayer at the center of my life. I was also impressed when I saw novices wearing habits. It seemed to me that they were always happy, good looking, and were loved by everybody. This was marvelous!  I invited my friends and classmates to my house, then we practiced celebrating Mass. I acted as the priest. We sliced banana for host and coffee for wine.  All these indicated my desire to be a priest.

After graduating from SMK, I decided to continue my studied in the seminary. I chose the SVD congregation, but I only did my postulancy there. At that time, I was confused and appeared like a man without orientation. I didn’t find myself. I had no reason for my action, yet I left the congregation for Jakarta. I thought that studying to be a priest took a long time. I saw it better to leave for Jakarta and there work for money. There I went with my cousin. I lived with my uncle who lived there since the 1950s. I worked in a food industry for two years and realized that my desire to become a religious kept ringing in my heart. This motivated me to participate in some spiritual activities at my parish church at St Andrew. 

Hence in St. Andrew Church I knew about the FIC Congregation. First, I was impressed with the flyer tacked in the bulletin board of the church. The writing “teachers from Maastricht” really touched my heart. Why? The writing changed my paradigm about brother (bruder). I was teased by my friends when I told them I wanted to become a religious brother. They claimed that if I became a brother, I would work as a gardener or a carpenter. This was because they saw brothers of St Aloysius working in Ruteng town in the furniture and engineering companies. Nevertheless, my desire continued to grow. This was supported by Bro. Anton Harjo especially his sharing about witnessing of faith among the students with special needs (deaf and dumb). He and his students came to St Andrew Church for fund-raising. They sold all kinds of handicrafts made by the students. One student was invited by Bro Anton to come to the pulpit. The student told us something about his school experience. He shared how the brother accompanied him in learning how to listen and speak. It was wonderful he could do it in front of hundreds of people. This event was very impressive and supported my desire to be an FIC brother. 

Two weeks later I went to Muntilan to attend the screening. I did it in three days. I enjoyed the tests. I met some new friends here. They came from various islands. It was really a great experience. After the three-day screening, I went home to Jakarta.  Then two weeks later I got a letter from the committee for the screening which informed me that I was accepted as an FIC postulant.  Before this I had to join the orientation in one month at Ambarawa.  I was very happy reading the letter. 

I did my initial formation from 2004 to 2007. Three years in formation and I was educated and formed by God. His holy spirit came upon me through my formators and fellow fraters. I came to postulate with my limitations and weaknesses. First, it was not easy because I had to adapt to Javanese culture, language and the people. I did my best, sometimes making mistakes”. Yeah, I thought that it was a dynamic process for someone to respond to God's call. I remember Abraham, Mary, Paul, and Musa, and their experiences and struggles to answer God’s call! These figures are models of believers. They inspire me to keep on going and fighting in answering God’s call. 

It is the same with Mary when she answered God’s call and said “Ecce ancilla Dominae, fiat mihi secundum Verbum tuum” (Luc 1:38). I realize that God elected me not because I was smart with many capabilities, but it is only God’s will. Therefore, God educated and formed me as He wants. It is true that God calls, educates and forms us according to our characters, cultures, capabilities and traditions. Anybody who answers God’s call should be ready to be sent anywhere to spread His Gospel. I am once again grateful to God for my formation era.  I truly know the Lord Jesus through my experience in prayer, living together, especially in my struggles to find my true self.

My Apostolate 

After my first profession in 2007, I was sent to accompany the students in the Boarding house of SMA Pangudi Luhur Van Lith Muntilan. It was not easy for the beginner. I freshly remember when Bro. Dwiyatno (my ongoing formator) gave a question about what I would like to do at the time of starting my apostolate. First, I told him that I would do whatever I was asked by the dormitory leader and the staff. Why? Because I realized that I was a learner. I had no experience and knowledge of students’ needs. Three years later, I learned more about accompanying students in the dormitory. I had to display my role as parent as well as friend. Learning to accompany students means also learning to form myself. 

So my apostolate was accompanying students in the dormitory of SMA Pangudi Luhur Van Lith for three years (2007-2010).  Then Bro. Anton Karyadi as Provincial came and asked me to study theology in Pontifical Faculty of Weda Bhakti, Sanata Dharma University. I welcomed this new task, which I did with passion and joy. I studied theology for four years and earned a degree by 2014. In July 2014, Bro Dwiyatno (as provincial) asked me to go back to SMA Pangudi Luhur Van Lith.  This was not expected but it was a mission and I had to obey. I believe that life is like a spider’s web because life events are interrelated. God educates us through one event to prepare us for other events. My reflection reminds me that whatever apostolate that one is given is desired by God. I knew that every apostolate has a purpose and intent of God. 

Finally by this sharing, I actually wish to thank God, because He has educated and formed me through the congregation. I realize that God loves me the way I am. He loves me beyond what I thought, even I can’t describe how great, deep, large, and high His love is for me. I am very proud to live as an FIC brother. Through this congregation I like to be lifted up to the high place by God. It was same with Mary who sang her Magnificat to praise God because God lifted her up by choosing her as a mother of His Son.