God is Love: A Journey of Gratitude 

On March 24, 2013, I embarked on a journey to the Netherlands to live and serve as a member of the General Council for the 2012 to 2018 term. A day before my departure, the Provincial Council of Indonesia held a prayer service for the success of my mission at the General Council. It was my 50th birthday when I arrived in my new community in Maastricht, popularly called “Emmaus Community”, and I was surprised the Brothers knew it was my birthday. After warmly welcoming me, they were still prepared to celebrate my birthday that day. I felt delighted and accepted by the brothers. As I settled into my new role, I worked diligently to adapt to my community and surroundings, striving to fulfil my responsibilities as a General Council member. 

I started to work out how to be a good and supportive member of the General Council. I usually adapt to new situations quickly, so I had no significant difficulties living in the community and working as a member of the General Council. My only challenge was using the Dutch language in my daily life. It was not an easy task for me and my colleague Bro. Raphael, who also arrived from Ghana to begin work as a General Councillor. We both scored high in the theory, but practising the language was, I think, too huge for our age.                 

While living in the Netherlands and serving the Congregation, I learned to be as helpful and supportive as possible. I worked according to my skills and capabilities. I experienced spiritual upliftment living in the Emmaus community, trying to make meaning of my encounters with my fellow brothers and co-workers in various provinces and RHN (Religious House Netherlands). My knowledge of the Congregation has since grown and deepened. I learnt to love the congregation more than ever before. I have been through moments of happiness as an FIC brother. I was able to use my time and talents to write and publish some books. In this way, I shared my ideas and experiences with many readers. For me, books are like a vehicle for education, fulfilling my love for the world of education as a teacher. I am grateful that, as General Council members, we managed to form a solid and supportive team. I am grateful to Bros. Martinus Handoko and Augustine Kubdaar, under whom I served, and my dear fellow brothers because I learned to be a brother to all people, including our lay collaborators. 

As my second term as a Councillor came to an end, I felt that I had given my best to my service at the General Council. A strong desire emerged within me to return to Indonesia, where I could continue contributing to those in need. I am fortunate to still have the energy and enthusiasm to engage in new apostolic work and form new connections with people. I am glad to be back in Indonesia. Currently, I reside in St. Joseph Community, Semarang, and work in the Apostolic Spirituality team of the Province. I am also the Chairman of Pangudi Luhur Foundation, Semarang branch and chief editor of Pangudi Luhur magazine, BIANGLALA. 

I want to thank all those who have supported me in carrying out my duties as a member of the General Council. The list includes my fellow brothers of the Religious House, Netherlands, Associate members, and members of the Emmaus Community who have coloured and nourished my vocation and mission for approximately 12 years. In short, I thank everyone for their personal and working relationships, especially our co-workers, secretariat staff, the General Council members of CMM Fraters and Carolus Borromeus Sisters for our warm and cordial relationships. Lastly, In the spirit of synodality, let us renew our way of life and mission together by the call of the times. I will miss you all. Thank you very much. 

Bro. Theodorus Suwariyanto  

(Immediate past General Council member)